•  FRINCETOrJ      U.    J.  .i 

I                              Part  of  the  % 

♦  i,DD180N    ALEXANDER    LIBKAUT.  | 
S                   which  was  presented  by  \\ 

\                ME9SBS.R.L.   ASt)    A.STC.KT.  'J 


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TRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 


The  Forms  of  Public  Devotion, 


INSTITCTED    BY 


CALVIN,  JOHN  KNOXj  MARTIN  BUCER,  MICRONIUS. 


ADOPTED  AND  USED  IN 

Various  Branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

NEWLY  COLLECTED  ANT)  COLLATED. 


New  York  : 
charles  scribner,  145  nassau  street. 

1856. 


In  compliance  with  current 
copyright  law,  LBS  Archival 

Products  produced  this 

replacement  volume  on  paper 

that  meets  the  ANSI  Standard 

Z39.48-1984  to  replace  the 

irreparably  deteriorated 

original. 

1992 

(00) 


^^i 


In  adducing  these  Forms  of  Worship,  set  forth  by  the  Reformers 
at  an  early  period  in  the  history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  it  is  de- 
signed to  'solicit  a  critical  examination  of  them  on  the  part  of  indivi- 
duals to  -whose  notice  this  Collection  may  come.  The  want  of  a 
Formulary  of  Public  Services,  for  the  optional  use  and  study  of  the 
Clergy,  as  well  as  for  the  assistance  of  Congregations  in  localities 
where  the  stated  Ministry  of  the  Gospel  is  not  enjoyed,  has  been 
both  felt  and  expressed ;  and  the  present  Compilation  has  no  other 
purpose  than  to  promote  and  facilitate  the  preparation  of  such  a 
work,  based  as  it  must  be  upon  the  old  materials,  with  additions  and 
modifications  to  be  suggested  by  brethren  of  experience.  Accordingly, 
this  Compilation  is  sent  forth  for  gratuitous  circulation,  among  a 
limited  number  of  those  who  are  supposed  to  feel  interest  in  the  ob- 
ject ;  whilst  it  is  withheld  from  general  publicity,  in  order  that  such 
"emendations  as  shall  appear  demanded,  may  be  privately  obtained. 
Tlie  free  communication  of  any  suggestions  of  this  nature,  is  respect- 
fully and  earnestly  requested," from  each  of  those  who  shall  receive 
this  pamphlet. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  work,  the  entire  literature  of  the  subject 
has  been  studied,  beginning  with  Calvin's  "  Preces  Ecclesiastic.e," 
the  title  of  which  "has  been  adopted,  and  proceeding  through  the 
several  formularies  founded  upon  that  admirable  basis:  those,  namely^ 
of  the  Churches  of  Geneva,  France,  Scotland,  Holland,  the  Palatinate, 
Germany,  Hungary,  French  Switzerland,  and  the  Valleys  of  Pied- 
mont. Many  of  the  Forms  here  given  are  common  to  all  of  these 
rituals,  whose  affinity  of  course  is  strongly  marked.  Reference  to  the 
authorship  of  each  will  be  found  in  the  text  or  in  the  notes  appended. 

Large  use  has  been  made  of  Richard  Baxter's"  Reformed  Liturgy'' — 
a  work  which  has  never  been  sanctionedby  ecclesiastical  adoption,  yet 
well  deserves  the  careful  study  of  every  minister.  The  remarkable 
volume  issued  in  the  year  1545,  under  the  direction  of  Archbishop 
Herman  of  Cologne,  has  also  been  consulted— a  production  of  which 
Martin  Bucer,  the  learned  disciple  of  Calvin,  was  the  principal  author. 
Both  of  these  liturgical  performances  may  be  justly  viewed  as  Pres- 
byterian by  their  origin. 

'  The  plan  of  the  present  work  embraces,  in  addition  to  these  General 
Forms  of  celebrating  the  Public  Ordinances  of  Religion,  a  collection 
of  Occasional  and  Special  Prayers,  derived  from  the  same  sources. 
To  avoid  an  extension  that  would  render  the  expense  of  printing  too 
great,  this  part  has  been  withheld  for  the  time  being. 


-- 

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«'•* 

THE 

ORDER    OF  DIVINE    SERVICE 

ON      THE 

Morning  of  the  Lord's  Day. 


Preface. 

Thus  saitli  the  Lord,  The  heaven  is  my  throne,  and  the  earth 
is  my  footstool :  where  is  the  house  that  ve  build  unto  me  ?  and 
where  is  the  place  of  my  rest?  For  all  those  things  hath  mine 
hand  made,  and  all  those  things  have  been,  saith  the  Lord: 
but  to  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of 
a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word. 

Or  one  of  ihefoUowing  sentences  : 

Thus  saith  the  High  and  Lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  name  is  Holy :  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place,  with 
him  also  that  is  of  "a  contrite  and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the 
spirit  of  the  humble,  and  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  The  sons  of  the  stranger,  that  join 
themselves  to  the  Lord,  even  them  will  I  bring  to  my  holy 
mountain,  and  make  them  joyful  in  my  house  of  prayer:  their 
burnt-offerings  and  their  sacrifices  shall  be  accepted  upon  mine 
altar :  for  mi'ne  house  shall  be  called  an  house  of  prayer  for  all 
people. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  In  all  places  where  I  record  my  name 
I  will  come  unto  thee,  and  I  will  bless  thee. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  said.  Where  two  or  three  are 
gathered   tO£rether  in  mv  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of 


6  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICE. 

them:  and   whatsoever  ye   sliall  ask  in   my  name,  that  will 
[do. 

Christ  is  not  entered  into  the  holy  places  made  with  hands, 
which  are  the  figures  of  the  true ;  but  into  heaven  itself,  now 
to  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us. 

Invitation. 

Having  therefore  this  promise,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  draw 
near  with  a  true  heart,  in  fall  assurance  of  faith,  and  make 
known  our  requests  unto  God. 

Or: 

Let  us,  therefore,  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of 
need. 

THE   OPEXIXG   PRAYER. 

Invocation  and  Confession  of  Sins. 


Almighty  God !  who  hast  promised  to  be  present  with  Thy 
people,  and  to  grant  their  requests  in  the  name  of  Thy  well- 
beloved  Son :  look  down,  we  beseech  Thee,  upon  us,  and  for 
the  sake  of  Him  who  is  our  only  Saviour  and  Mediator  with 
Thee,  fulfil  Thy  promise  in  our  behalf:  that  our  thoughts 
being  lifted  up,  and  our  desires  drawn  forth  unto  Thee,  we 
may  seek  Thee  acceptably  this  day  :  Through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Redeemer. 

Eternal  God !  we  acknowledge  and  confess  before  Thy  sove- 
reign Majesty  that  we  are  miserable  sinners,  conceived  and 
born  in  guilt,  prone  to  evil,  unable  of  ourselves  to  do  any 
good.  We  have  broken  Thy  laws  in  thought,  word,  and  deed, 
deserving  most  justly  Thy  wrath  and  condemnation.  But  we 
repent  and  are  sorry  for  our  offences ;  we  humble  ourselves  at 
Thy  throne,  and  beseech  Thee  to  regard  us  in  Thy  great  com- 
passion. Have  mercy  upon  us,  0  God  !  Father  of  Mercies,  for 
the  sake  of  the  holy  life  and  sufferings  of  Thy  dear  Son  our 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  Pardon  all  our  sins,  blot  out  our  trans- 
gressions, renew  us  wholly,  and  grant  us  the  continual  help  of 
Thy  Holy  Spirit.  May  He  deliver  us  more  and  more  froni  the 
power  of  sin,  that  we  may  present  ourselves  living  sacrifices 
unto  Thee,  and  serve  Thee  without  fear  all  our  days,  to  the 
honour  of  Thy  Name  and  our  salvation  :  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Sayiour,     Amen.  Calvin. 


THE   MORNING   SERVICE. 


0  Eternal,  Almighty,  and  Most  Gracious  God !  Heaven  is 
Thy  throne  and  earth  is  Thy  footstool :  holv  and  reverend  is 
Thj  Name.  "We  sinners  are  bold,  through  our  blessed  Mediator, 
to  present  ourselves  and  our  supplications  before  Thee.  Eeceive 
us  graciously,  help  us  by  Thy  Spirit,  let  Thy  fear  be  upon  us, 
let  Thy  word  come  unto  us  in  power  and  be  received  in  love ; 
cause  us  to  be  fervent  in  prayer,  and  joyful  in  thy  praises,  and 
to  serve  Thee  this  day  without  distraction,  that  we  may  find  it 
good  for  us  to  draw  near  unto  Thee.  Baxter. 

Most  Holy  God  !  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  ini- 
quity, who  condemnest  the  ungodly,  impenitent,  and  unbeliev- 
ing, but  hast  promised  mercy  through  Jesus  Christ  unto  all 
that  repent  and  believe  in  Him :  We  confess  that  we  were 
conceived  in  sin,  and  are  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  and 
have  all  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God.  Thou 
hast  revealed  unto  us  Thy  wonderful  love  in  Christ,  and  offered 
us  pardon  and  salvation  in  Him :  but  we  have  resisted  Thy 
Spirit,  and  neglected  so  great  salvation :  we  have  run  into 
temptations  ;  and  the  sin  we  should  have  hated  we  have  com- 
mitted in  Thy  sight,  both  secretly  and  openly,  ignorantly  and 
carelessly,  rashly  and  presumptuously,  against  Thy  promises, 
Thy  mercies,  and  Thy  judgments.  Our  transgressions  are 
multiplied  before  Thee,  and  our  sins  testify  against  us ;  if  Thou 
deal  with  us  as  we  deserve.  Thou  wilt  cast  us  away  froijj  Thy 
sight.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  God !  be  reconciled  unto  us,  and 
let  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanse  us  from  all  our  sins.  Take 
us  for  Thy  children,  and  give  us  the  Spirit  of  Thy  Son.  Oh ! 
make  Thy  face  to  shine  upon  Thy  servants  ;  save  us  from  our 
sins,  and  from  the  wrath  to  come;  make  us  a  peculiar  people 
to  Thee,  zealous  of  Thy  praise.  We  ask  it  in  the  name  of 
our  blessed  and  only  Kedeemer.     Amen.  Baxtek. 

III. 

Most  Gracious  God,  our  Heavenly  Father !  in  whom  dwell- 
eth  all  fulness  of  light  and  wisdom  :  Hluminate  our  minds  by 
Thy  Spirit,  in  the  true  understanding  of  Thy  Word,  and  the 
right  worship  of  Thy  name ;  dispel  the  darkness  of  our  cor- 
rupt nature,  and  dispose  us  to  commune  with  Thee  through 
the  Spirit  of  grace  and  supplication.  Help  us  to  put  our 
whole  trust  in  Him  alone  by  whose  merits  we  approach  Thee ; 
and  since  Thou  art  pleased  for  His  sake  to  number  us  among 
Thy  people,  make  us  able  and  willing  to  pay  Thee  acceptable 
worship,  as  children  to  our  Father,  and  obedient  servants  to 
our  King.  Calve.-. 


8  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

We  are  not  worthy,  0  Lord !  to  come  into  Thy  presence  by 
reason  of  our  manifold  offences.  For  we  were  conceived  m 
sin,  and  in  iniquity  was  every  one  of  us  born.  All  the  days 
of  our  life  we  have  continued  to  follow  the  corruption  of  our 
fleshly  nature.  If  Thou,  Lord,  shouldst  enter  into  judgment 
with  Thy  servants,  just  occasion  hast  Thou  to  punish  not  only 
this  our  mortal  flesh,  but  our  bodies  and  souls  for  ever.  i3ut 
Thou  0  Lord !  art  a  merciful  God,  a  loving  and  favourable 
Father,  to  all  that  unfeignedly  turn  unto  Thee  from  their  sins 
Wherefore  we  most  humbly  beseech  Thee,  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  Thy  Son,  shew  Thy  mercy  upon  us.  Forgive  us  all 
our  offences.  Endue  us  with  Thine  Holy  Spirit.  Sanctify  us 
wholly ;  and  grant  us  grace,  that  in  ^  the  days  of  our  lives 
Ster,  we  may  studf  to  serve  and  please  Thee,  m  word  and 
in  deed,  through  our  only  Lord  and  Master,  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen.  ^°^ 


IV. 


Eternal  and  Invisible  God !  Infinite  in  power,  wisdom,  and 
croodness,  dwelling  in  the  light  which  no  man  can  approach, 
?et  dwellincr  also  with  the  humble  and  contrite,  and  taking 
pleasure  in  Thy  people:  Thou  hast  consecrated  for  usane^y 
and  livincr  way,  that  with  boldness  we  may  enter  into  the  holi- 
est by  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Behold  us  at  Thy  footstool  De- 
spise us  not,  though  unworthy;  put  Thy  fear  into  our  hearts, 
that  with  reverence  we  may  serve  Thee ;  write  Thy  laws  m 
our  minds,  and  let  us  all  be  taught  of  Thee  So  may  the  words 
of  our  mouths  and  the  meditations  of  our  hearts  be  acceptable 
in  Thy  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Kedeemer.         Baxter. 

Almicrhty,  Everlasting  God !  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ !°  Creator  of  all  things,  Judge  of  all  men!  We_  ac- 
knowledge and  lament  in  Thy  sight,  that  we  were  conceived 
and  born  in  sin,  prone  to  evil,  and  unfit  for  any  good.  We 
have  broken  Thy  holy  laws,  times  and  ways  without  number, 
by  contempt  of  Thee  and  Thy  Word,  by  distrust  of  Thy  graje, 
and  vain  confidence  in  ourselves  and  the  world,  by  thoughts 
and  works  grievously  offending  Thy  holy  Majesty,  and  sm- 
nincr  acrainst  our  neighbour.  Thus  have  we  buried  ourselves 
mor°e  and  more  deeply  in  spiritual  death.  But  we  do  earnestly 
repent,  and  are  sorry  for  these  our  misdoings.  Have  niercy 
upon  us,  most  Gracious  and  Merciful  Father,  for  the  sake  ot 
Thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Forgive  us  all  that  is  past 
Grant  us  and  increase  within  us  Thine  Holy  Spirit ;  who  shall 
teach  us  penitently  to  acknowledge  our  sins,  and  being  touched 
with  lively  sorrow,  by  true  faith  to  obtain  remission  of  them 
in  Christ.     So  that  daily  dying  unto  sin,  in  newness  of  life 


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THE   MORNING   SERVICE.  9 

we  may  serve  and  please  Thee,  to  the  glory  of  Tiiv  name  and 
the  edification  of  Thy  Church:  Through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen.  "  Bi-cek. 

27im  viay  be  read  The  Commandmexts,  recorded  in  Exodiis,  chapter  XX.  verse  1 
to  17  :  Instead  of  which  sometimes  TuE  Beatitudes,  from  the  Gos2yel  of  St.  Mat- 
thew, chapter  V.,  verse  1  to  10. 

Then  follows  the  singing  of  a  Psalm  or  Hymn  of  Praise  and  Thanksgiving. 
Next  the  Reading  of  Sckiptuhe,  out  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 
Then  let  the  minister  say  : 
Let  US  pray. 

THE   GENERAL   PRAYER. 
Beginning  luith  the  prayer  of  Our  Lord. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

Here  may  be  introduced  whatever  special  matter  of  prayer  sliall  be  thought  appro- 
priate, suited  to  the  tfieme  of  discourse  or  the  occasion;  concluding  lOiih  one  of  these 
following  forms  of 

Supplication  and  Intercession. 


Heavenly  Father,  who  hast  bidden  us  pray  for  all  in  author- 
ity among  men :  Bless,  we  intreat  Thee,  all  rulers  and  magis- 
trates to  whom  Thou  hast  committed  power ;  and  especially 
Thy  servant,  the  President  of  the  United  States,  our  govern- 
ors, legislators,  and  judges.  May  it  please  Thee  to  grant  them 
the  daily  increase  of  Thy  good  Spirit,  that  Avith  true  faith  ac- 
knowledging Christ  Thy  Son  to  be  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of 
lords,  they  may  seek  to  honour  Thee  and  exalt  Thy  rule.  May 
they  wisely  govern  those  who  are  the  sheep  of  Thy  pasture 
and  the  creatures  of  Thy  hand ;  so  that  as  avcII  here  as 
throughout  all  the  world.  Thy  people  being  kept  in  peace  and 
quiet  may  serve  Thee  without  fear.  Be  pleased,  O  Merciful 
God !  to  look  favourabl}^  upon  our  country.  Grant  unto  her 
prosperity  and  peace  ;  the  permanence  of  her  free  institutions  ; 
the  stability  of  her  union  ]  the  successful  growth  of  her  agri- 
culture,   commerce,   and   manufactures.     Let   the   sanctifying 


10  PRECE3   ECCLESIASTICS. 

leaven  of  Thy  Gospel  pervade  all  our  people :  for  we  have  no 
Kino-  but  Tiiee,  O  God!  and  righteousness  alone  exalteth  a 
nation. 

Almighty  Saviour !  We  pray  for  all  Pastors  and  Ministers 
of  thv  Church,  intrusted  by  Thee  with  the  care  of  souls  and 
the  preaching  of  Thy  Word.  Guide  them  ever  by  Thy  Spirit, 
and  keep  them  faithful  in  their  sacred  charge.  Give  grace  to 
all  Missionaries  of  th^  Cross,  that  by  their  means  Thy  wander- 
ing sheep  mav  be  gathered  in  and  made  subject  to  the  Shep- 
lierd  and  Bishop  of  their  souls.  Deliver  Thy  Church  from 
heresv  and  false  doctrine:  and  unite  Thy  people  with  one 
accord  in  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  Gospel. 

Father  of  Mercies !  We  pray  for  every  class  and  condition 
of  our  fellow-men.  Thou  that  wouldst  be  acknowledged  as 
the  Saviour  of  all  mankind,  in  the  redemption  wrought  by 
Thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ :  grant  that  such  as  are  yet  strangers  to 
Thee,  and  captives  to  ignorance  and  error,  may  be  led  by  the 
enlightening  of  Thy  Spirit  and  Thy  Word,  into  the  right  way 
oT  salvation.  Strengthen  those  already  visited  with  _  Thy 
grace,  that  they  may  daily  grow  in  godliness,  being  enriched 
with  every  spiritual  gift.  So  hasten  the  time  when  all  Thy 
creatures  upon  the  earth,  with  one  heart  and  one  voice,  shall 
fear  and  praise  Thee,  giving  honour  and  worship  toTliy  Christ, 
our  Lord,  Lawgiver,  and  King. 

God  of  all  Comfort !  We  commend  to  Thee  those  whom 
Thou  art  pleased  to  chasten  with  any  cross  or  tribulation  ;  all 
peo]Dle  aftlicted  with  pestilence,  war,  or  famine  ;  all  persons 
oppressed  with  poverty,  sickness,  distress  of  body  or  grief  of 
mind.  May  it  please  Thee  to  manifest  unto  them  Thy  fatherly 
kindness  in  all  their  afflictions,  to  the  end  that  in  their  hearts 
thev  may  turn  unto  Thee,  and  being  converted,  receive  perfect 
consolation,  and  deliverance  from  all  their  woes. 

Finally,  O  God  our  Father  !  Grant  also  unto  us  here  gather- 
ed in  the"'name  of  Thy  Holy  Child  Jesus,  to  hear  His  Word,  [and 
to  celebrate  His  Supper,]  that  we  may  rightly  perceive  our 
lost  estate  by  nature,  and  the  condemnation  we  have  deserved 
by  disobedient  lives.  And  conscious  that  in  ourselves  there 
dVelleth  no  good  thing,  and  that  flesh  and  blood  can  not  in- 
herit Thy  kingdom,  may  we  with  our  whole  affections  give 
ourselves  up  in  firm  trust  to  Thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Saviour  and  Redeemer :  that  He,  dwelling  in  us,  may 
mortifvall  remaining  sin,  rene'^ang  us  for  that  better  life  where 
we  shall  mairnifv  Thy  blessed  Name  ever,  world  without  end. 

Calvix. 


(U^,/{/-C^        ' 


^'^iC^". 


,AnL 


THE    MORNING   SERVICE.  11 

The  Creed. 

Lord,  increase  our  faith, 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth  ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son,  our  Lord  ;  who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Marv,  suffered 
under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  He  de- 
scended into  hell  ;*  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the  dead; 
He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God 
the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holv 
Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints';  the  forgiveness  of 
sins;  the  resurrection  of  the  body;  and  the  life  everlasting. 
Amen. 

II. 

Almighty  God !  who  by  Thine  holy  Apostle  hast  taught  us 
to  make  our  prayers  and  supplications  for  all  men :  We  be- 
seech Thee  to  lead  such  as  are  yet  in  the  captivity  of  ignorance 
and  error,  to  the  pure  understanding  of  Thine  heavenly  truth ; 
so  that  all  mankind,  with  one  consent,  may  learn  to  Vorship 
Thee  their  only  God  and  Saviour.  Give  grace  to  all  pastors 
and  ministers  of  Thy  holy  Word,  to  whom  Thou  hast  commit- 
ted the  charge  of  Thy  chosen  people,  that  in  life  and  doctrine 
they  may  be  found  faithful,  setting  only  before  them  Thy  glory  ; 
and  may  all  poor  sheep  that  wander  and  go  astray,  by  them  be 
gathered  and  brought  home  to  Thy  fold. 

Be  pleased  graciously  to  preserve  and  govern  all  Christian 
Churches  throughout  the  earth,  in  unity  of  Ttrue  faith,  and  in 
godliness  of  life.  Let  Thy  kingdom  daily  increase,  and  that  of 
Satan  be  destroyed  ;  till  Thy  kingdom  be  perfected,  when  Thou 
shalt  be  all  in  all. 

"We  pray  for  these  United  States ;  God  bless  our  people  ; 
keep  them  under  Th}^  holy  protection ;  prosper  them  in  their 
agriculture,  manufactures,  commerce,  and  literature ;  and  let 
their  civil  and  religious  rights  be  preserved  inviolate  to  the  latest 
posterity. 

And  because  the  hearts  of  rulers  are  in  Thine  hand,  we 
beseech  Thee  to  guide  and  govern  all  those  to  whom  Thou 
hast  committed  the  sword.  Especially,  0  Lord !  according  to 
our  bounden  duty7"^ve  intreat  Thee  to  bless  the  President,  his 
councillors,  and  all  others  in  authority  in  this  land.  Let  Thy 
fatherly  favour  so  preserve  them,  let  Thine  Holy  Spirit  so  direct 

*  i.  e.,  Continued  in  the  state  of  the  dead,  and  under  the  power  of  death,  until 
the  third  daj*. 


12  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

their  minds,  that  they  may  execute  their  office  to  the  mainte- 
nance of  pure  rehgion,  and  the  punishment  of  evil-doers, 
according  to  the  precise  rule  of  Thine  holy  Word. 

And  for  that  we  be  all  members  of  the  mystical  body  of 
Christ  Jesus,  we  make  our  requests  unto  Thee,  O  heavenly 
Father !  for  such  as  are  afflicted  with  any  kind  of  cross  or 
tribulation,  as  war,  plague,  famine,  povert}^,  sickness,  or  any 
other  kind  of  Thy  chastisements,  whether  it  be  grief  of  body 
or  unquietness  of  mind :  That  it  would  please  TEee  to  give 
them  patience  and  constancy,  till  Thou  send  them  full  deliver- 
ance out  of  all  their  woes. 

And  finally,  O  Lord  God,  Most  Merciful  Father !  We  be- 
seech Thee  to  shew  Thy  great  mercies  upon  those  our  brethren 
who  may  be  persecuted,  cast  into  prison,  and  condemned  to 
death,  for  the  testimony  of  Thy  Truth :  and  though  they  be 
utterly  destitute  of  all  man's  aid,  yet  let  Thy  sweet  comfort 
never  depart ;  but  so  inflame  their  hearts  with  Thine  Holy 
Spirit,  that  they  may  boldly  and  cheerfully  abide  such  trial  as 
Thy  godly  wisdom  shall  appoint.  And  may  all  Thy  afflicted 
people  so  serve  and  follow  Thee,  that  at  length,  as  well  by 
their  death  as  by  their  life,  the  kingdom  of  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  may  increase  and  shine  throughout  the  world. 

These  graces,  0  Heavenly  Father  !  and  all  others  that  Thou 
knowest  to  be  expedient  for  us,  and  for  all  mankind,  we  ask 
in  the  name  of  our  Sovereign  Master,  Christ  Jesus,  Thy  well- 
beloved  Son ;  and  for  His  sake  also,  we  beseech  Thee  to  grant 
us  perfect  continuance  in  the  lively  faith  of  Thy  Universal 
Church,  Avhereof  we  make  our  confession,  saying  : 

I  believe  in  God,  etc.  Knox. 


m. 

0  Most  Holy,  Blessed,  and  Glorious  Trinity  !  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost  !  Three  Persons  and  one  God  ;  our  Creator, 
Eedeemer,  and  Sanctifier ;  our  Lord,  our  Governor,  and  Fa- 
ther !  Hear  us,  and  have  mercy  upon  us  ! 

O  Lord  our  Saviour !  God  and  man  ;  Who,  having  assumed 
our  nature,  by  Thy  sufferings,  death,  and  burial,  wast  made  a 
ransom  to  take  away  the  sins  of  the  world ;  who,  being  raised 
from  the  dead,  ascended  and  glorified,  art  made  -Head  over 
all  things  to  the  Church :  We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  and 
have  mercy  upon  us.  Make  sure  to  us  our  calling  and  election, 
our  unfeigned  faith  and  repentance ;  that  being  justified  and 
made  the  sons  of  God,  we  may  have  peace  with  Him  as  our 
reconciled  God  and  Fathe;-. 

Let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  sanctify  us,  and  dwell  in  our  hearts, 


n 

i 


fy\A^ 


THE   MORNING  SERVICE.  13 

and  cause  us  to  deny  ourselves,  and  to  give  ourselves  entirely 
to  Thee. 

As  the  world  was  created  for  Thy  glory,  let  Thy  name  be 
glorified  throughout  the  world.  Let  self-love,  and  pride,  and 
vain-glory  be  destroyed.  Make  us  to  love  Thee,  fear  Thee,  and 
trust  in  Thee  with  all  our  hearts,  and  to  live  to  Thee. 

Let  all  mankind  subject  themselves  to  Thee,  their  King. 
Let  the  kingdoms  of  the  world  become  the  kingdoms  of  the 
Lord,  and  of  His  Christ.  Let  atheists,  idolators,  Mohammed- 
ans, Jews,  and  all  ungodly  people  be  converted.  Send  forth 
meet  laborers  into  the  harvest,  preserve  and  bless  them  in 
their  work,  and  let  the  Gospel  be  preached  throughout  all  the 
world. 

Unite  all  Christians  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  true  and  only  uni- 
versal Head,  in  the  true  Christian  and  Catholic  faith  and  love. 
Cast  out  heresies  and  corruptions,  heal  divisions,  let  the  strong 
receive  the  weak,  and  bear  their  infirmities. 

Have  mercy  upon  our  rulers ;  let  them  fear  Thee,  and  be 
eusamples  of- piety  and  temperance,  haters  of  injustice,  covet- 
ousness  and  pride,  and  defenders  of  the  innocent.  Let  every 
soul  be  subject  to  the  higher  powers,  and  not  resist ;  let  them 
obey  all  in  authority,  not  only  for  wrath,  but  for  conscience' 
sake. 

Give  all  Thy  Churches  able,  holy,  faithful  pastors,  that  may 
soundly  and  diligentlj^  preach  Thy  Word,  and  guide  Thy  flock 
in  ways  of  righteousness  and  peace. 

Keep  us  from  atheism,  idolatry,  and  rebellion  against  Thee  ; 
from  infidelity,  ungodliness,  and  sensuality ;  from  security, 
presumption,  and  despair. 

Keep  us  from  murder  and  violence,  and  hurtful,  passionate 
words  and  actions.  Keep  us  from  fornication  and  all  unclean- 
ness ;  from  stealing;  from  perverting  justice ;  from  false  wit- 
ness and  deceit ;  from  slander^  uncharitable  censure.  Keep 
us  from  coveting  any  thing  that  is  our  neighbours'.  Cause 
us  to  love  Christ  in  His  members  with  a  pure  and  fervent 
love  ;  to  love  our  enemies,  and  to  do  good  to  all. 

Give  us  needful  sustenance,  and  contentment  therewith. 
Bless  our  labours,  and  the  fruits  of  the  earth  in  their  season  ; 
and  give  us  such  temperate  weather  as  may  tend  thereunto. 
Deliver  us  and  all  Thy  servants  from  sickness,  want,  or  other 
distresses,  that  would  hinder  us  from  Thy  service.  When  we 
sin,  restore  us  by  true  repentance  and  faith  in  Christ.  May  we 
loathe  ourselves'for  our  transgressions ;  forgive  them  all,  and 
accept  us  in  Thy  well-beloved  Son.  Save  us  from  the  punish- 
ment that  our  sins  deserve,  and  teach  us  heartily  to  forgive 
others.     Convert  our  enemies,  persecutors,  and  slanderers,  and 


li  PRECES  ECCLESIASTIC..E. 

forgive  them.  Cause  us  to  watcli  against  temptation,  to  resist 
and  overcome  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  Deliver  us 
and  all  Thy  people  from  the  enmity  and  rage  of  Satan  ;  and 
preserve  us  to  Thy  heavenly  Kingdom. 

For  Thou  only  art  the  Universal  King ;  all  power  is  Thine  in 
heaven  and  earth ;  of  Thee,  and  through  Thee,  and  to  Thee, 
are  all  things ;  and  the  glory  shall  be  Thine  for  ever.    Amen. 

Baxter. 

I  believe  in  God,  etc. 

IV. 

0  Lord  our  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  make  prayers 
and  supplications  for  all  men,  we  present  ourselves  before  Thy 
throne  to  offer  up  our  requests  in  behalf  of  all  classes  and  con- 
ditions of  our  race.  Thou,  Lord,  who  art  the  Maker  and  Father 
of  mankind,  we  beseecB~Thee  for  the  peace  of  the  whole  world, 
and  the  salvation  of  all  people.  Deliver  from  their  blindness 
the  heathen,  Mohammedans,  and  all  unbelievers ;  and  vouch- 
safe according  to  T*hy  promises  to  procure  the  conversion  ^f 
Thine  ancient  people  the  Jews  :  that  all  nations  may  know  and 
worship  Thee,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  Thou  hast  sent.  King 
of  kings,  Lord  of  lords,  we  pray  to  Thee  for  all  rulers  and 
other  persons  in  offices  of  dignity  and  trust.  Give  the  know- 
ledge of  Thyself  to  such  as  have  it  not :  and  impart  Thy  grace 
to  them  that  know  Thee,  that  they  may  use  their  authority  to 
the  furtherance  of  Thy  glory.  Especially  we  pray  for  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  for  our  governors,  and  for  all 
our  magistrates.  Grant  unto  them  long  life  and  prosperity, 
good  counsel  and  success.  Bless  the  people  of  this  common- 
wealth in  all  their  interests,  civil  and  religious.  Diffuse  among 
them  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding,  the  spirit  of 
knowledge  and  the  fear  of  Thy  Name :  that  order  and  harmony 
may  prevail,  and  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life 
in  all  godliness  and  honesty. 

"We  present  to  Thee,  0  Lord,  our  prayers  for  the  necessities 
of  Thy  holy  Church,  spread  abroad  throughout  the  earth.  Be 
pleased  to  protect,  increase,  and  sanctify  it  more  and  more. 
Deliver  the  churches  that  are  persecuted.  Eemove  the  errors, 
scandals,  and  divisions  that  distract  Christendom,  and  unite  all 
Christians  by  the  bonds  of  truth,  piety,  and  peace.  Grant 
especially  Thy  blessings  upon  the  churches  of  this  land,  and 
the  churches  in  this  place :  bless  the  families  composing  them  : 
cause  righteousness,  and  all  holy  virtues,  to  flourish  in  our 
midst. 

^^~~We  pray  Thee,  0  God,  for  all  the  pastors  of  Thy  Church ; 
sanctify  them,  illuminate  them,  and  augment  in  them  the  gifts 
needful  for  the  promotion  of  Thy  kingdom,  and  the  salvation 


ot^. 


'  qJa^    > 


1i/(      0-t^  15^Xir^l/y^     /^    L>^U^  1^  U^  <V^ 


THE   MORXING  SERVICE.  •  15 

of  souls  intrusted  to  their  care.  Raise  up  everywhere,  and 
especially  among  ourselves,  faithful,  zealous,  humble  ministers, 
lovers  of  truth  and  of  peace.  And  to  this  end  impart  Thv 
grace  and  Thy  fear  unto  all  that  are  preparing  to  serve  Thee  in 
the  ministry  of  Thy  "Word. 

0  God  of  Mercy,  have  pity  upon  the  nations  that  are  afilicted 
by  war.  or  any  other  scoursre  ;  and  upon  all  persons  who  are 
in  any  kind  of  suffering.  We  commend  to  Thee  the  widows, 
the  orphans,  the  poor,  the  strangers,  the  friendless ;  those  that 
are  journeying :  those  that  endure  persecution  for  Thy  Gospel : 
all  persons  distressed  or  diseased  in  mind ;  the  infirm,  the  sick, 
the  dying :  and  especially  our  brethren  who  are  members  of 
this  church  [and  who  desire  our  prayers].  Assist  them  all  in 
their  several  necessities,  whether  of  body  or  of  soul ;  and  give 
them  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  their  troubles. 

Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  for  all  Thy  children :  for  all  that 
seek  Thee  in  sincerity  of  heart,  and  labour  to  promote  their 
own  salvation  and  that  of  their  fellow-men :  for  all  that  arc 
engaged  in  works  of  piety,  and  enterprises  for  the  extension  of 
Thy  Kingdom.  Confirm  those  that  are  weak  in  the  Faith : 
and  to  all  that  are  yet  in  their  sins,  under  condemnation  of 
Thy  law,  give  true  repentance  and  conversioii  unto  Thee.^ 

Look  favourably  upon  this  cornmunity.  Grant  us  always 
that  which  may  be  needful  for  our  sustenance :  and  enable  us 
to  serve  Thee  "^fith  sobriety,  thankfulness,  and  love.  Deliver 
us  from  our  sins ;  preserve  us  from  wicked  thoughts,  from  un- 
belief, hypocrisy,  and  whatever  is  opposed  to  Thy  holy  wil;. 
O  Merciful  God.  prevent  us  ever  by  Thy  grace,  and  guide  us 
continually  by  Thy  Spirit ;  put  in  our  minds  right  purposes 
and  pure  desires,  perfect  submission  to  Thy  providence,  fer- 
vent love  to  Thee,  and  charity  that  shall  incline  us  to  love  and 
edify  one  another.  Detach  our  hearts  from  this  world  of  van- 
ity, and  help  us  to  raise  them  to  heaven,  where  our  treasure 
is.  So  that  li^'ing  in  watchfulness  and  prayer,  in  temperance 
and  holiness,  we  may  pass  our  days  in  Thy  peace,  waiting  for 
the  glorious  appearing  of  our  Lord :  that  when  He  shall  come 
to  judge  the  world,  we  may  stand  in  Thy  presence  without 
shame. 

Give  ear,  0  Lord,  unto  the  voice  of  those  who  have  now 
offered  their  prayers  unto  Thee :  reject  not  the  unworthy  sup- 
plications of  Thy  servants  ;  but  grant  us  the  blessings  we  have 
asked,  and  all  other  things  that  are  necessary  for  us.  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord :  unto  whom,  with  the  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honour  and  praise  for  ever.     Amen. 

Xeuchatel  LrruKGY. 

Lord  I  increase  our  faith. 

1  believe  in  God,  etc. 


16  PRECE3  ECCLESIASTICS. 

After  this  prayer,  let  a  hymn  be  sung  before  the 
SERMON. 

At  the  conclusion  of  which  another  hymn,  and  then  one  of  the  following  prayers,  or  to 
the  like  effect 

THE   CLOSING   PRAYER- 
ThanJcsgivmg. 


Honour  and  praise  be  given  to  Thee,  0  Lord  God  Almighty, 
our  Father,  Saviour,  and  Sanctifier!  for  all  Thy  mercies  and  lov- 
ing-kindnesses shewed  unto  us  Thy  people.  We  praise  Thee 
for  the  goodness  that  freely  chose  us  to  salvation  before  the 
world  began.  We  thank  Thee  for  creating  us  after  Thine  own 
image  ;  for  redeeming  us  when  we  were  lost,  with  the  precious 
blood  of  Christ ;  for  sanctifving  us  mth  Thy  Spirit  in  the  rev- 
elation and  knowledge  of  Thy  Word ;  for  Thy  help  and  suc- 
cour in  our  necessities.  Thy  fatherly  comfort  in  our  tribulations ; 
for  saving  us  in  dangers  of  body  and  soul,  and  giving  us_  so 
large  a  time  of  repentance.  These  benefits,  O  most  Merciful 
Fafher !  we  acknowledge  to  have  received  of  Thine  only  good- 
ness ;  and  so  do  we  implore  Thy  grace  continually  to  augment 
our  thankfulness  toward  Thee,  kindling  our  hearts  with  pure 
and  fervent  love.  Suffer  us  not  in  vain  to  receive  Thy  Word ; 
but  graciously  assist  us  always,  in  heart,  word,  and  deed,  to 
sanctify  and  worship  Thy  holy  Name. 

And  now  unto  the  Father,  unto  the  Son,  and  unto  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  be  ascribed  in  the  Church  all  honour  and  glory, 
might,  majesty,  and  dominion,  henceforth  and  for  ever.    Amen. 

ELkox. 

II. 

Most  Glorious  God !  Accept,  through  Thy  beloved  Son,  our 
thanksgivings  for  Thy  unspeakable  love  and  goodness.  Thou 
art  the  Father  of  Mercies  and  the  God  of  all  Consolation,  full 
of  compassion,  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression,  and  sin.  For 
Thy  glory  Thou  didst  create  us  after  Thine  image ;  and  when 
we  forsook  Thee,  Thou  didst  not  leave  us  in  the  hands  of  death, 
but  didst  so  love  the  world  as  to  give  Thy  Son  to  be  our  Sav- 
iour. We  thank  Thee  for  His  death,  that  saveth  us  from 
death,  and  for  His  life,  that  opened  us  the  way  to  life.  We 
thank  Thee  for  the  new  and  better  Covenant ;  for  Thy  great 
and  precious  promises ;  that  Thou  hast  given  us  eternal  life  in 
Christ ;  that  we  have  the  clear  and  sure  revelation  of  Thy  will 
in  the  holv  Scriptures ;  that  Thou  bast  founded  Thy  Church 
upon  Apostles  and  Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  •  himself  being  the 


THE   ilORXIXG   SERVICE.  IJ 

head  corner-stone.  _  We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  commu- 
nicated to  Thv  mmisters  the  Word  of  reconcihation  ;  that  by 
them  ihou  hast  opened  our  eyes,  and  turned  us  from  darkne^^ 
unto  hght :  that  Thou  hast  adopted  us  to  be  Thy  sons,  and 
jomt-heirs  with  Christ,  and  made  us  His  members,  and  c^iven 
us  His  Spirit.  All  Thy  paths,  0  Lord!  are  mercy  and  truth 
to  such  as  keep  Thy  coyenant.  Oh!  continue  Thy  loyino- 
kindness  unto  us,  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  c^lad  in  Thee  all 
our  days  Guide  us  by  Thy  counsel  and  afterward  receiye  us 
to  Thy  glory;  where,  with  all  the  blessed  host  of  heaven  we 
may  behold,  admire,  and  perfectly  and  joyfully  praise  Thee 
our  most  glorious  Creator,  Redeemer,  and  Sanctitier,  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen, 

Baxter. 

ni. 

O  Lord  our  God,  we  lift  up  our  hearts  unto  Thee,  in  grate- 
ful acknowledgment  of  all  Thy  mercies  and  benefits  to  us 
W  e  praise  Thee  as  the  source  of  all  blessings,  full  of  compas- 
T^  m?  goodness  unto  the  children  of  men.  We  thank  Thee 
that  Thou  hast  formed  us  reasonable  creatures,  capable  of 
knowing  and  serving  Thee.  We  bless  Thee  for  Thy  preserv- 
ing care  over  us,  and  for  all  our  temporal  enjoyments  Above 
a  1  we  praise  Thee,  0  most  Merciful  Father,  for  Thv  spiritual 
blessmg^s  in  Christ  Jesus;  for  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  His  influ- 
ences:  for  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  and  all  the  precious  pro- 
mises thereof;  for  Thy  Word,  for  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  all 
ihme  ordinances.  For  these  benefits  we  bless  Thee,'  0  God 
the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  our  Creator  Ee- 
deemer,  and  Sanctifier.  And  now,  Lord,  we  commit  ourselves 
to  Ihee  we  hope  m  Thy  mercies,  and  we  wait  for  Thy  salva- 
tion. Accept  our  worship,  and  forgive  our  sins,  in  the  name 
ot  our  crucified  and  exalted  Eedeemer,  Jesus  Chri-^t  •  unto 
whom,  with  the  Father,  and  the  Spirit  of  all  Grace,  be  ascribed 
glory,  honour,  dominion,  and  praise,  for  ever  and  ever.   Amen. 

DiEECTOEY  Retiset,  1787. 
IV. 

0  God !  Thy  glory  is  great  in  all  Thy  Churches,  and  the 
praises  of  Thy  Kame  resound  amons  the  assemblies  of  Thv 
saints.  We  thy  servants  would  humble  ourselves  before  Thee 
and  worship  Thine  infinite  Majesty.  We  celebrate  Thy  ^vil 
dom,  power,  and  goodness,  that  shine  forth  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  redemption  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  We 
bless  Thee  for  all  temporal  and  spiritual  good  that  we  contin- 
ually receive  at  Thy  bountiful  hands.  But  more  especially 
with  all  Thy  people  assembled  this  day,  we  praise  Thee  that 
2 


18  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

Thou  didst  send  into  the  world  Thv  Son  to  save  us:  and  hav- 
ino-  delivered  Him  up  for  our  offences,  didst  raise  him  again 
for  our  justification;  and  through  His  glorious  resurrection 
hast  given  us  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life.  0  Lord ! 
may  these  our  thanksgivings  come  up  with  acceptance  before 
Thy  throne.  Make  us  worthy  at  the  last  day  to  have  part  in 
the*^  resurrection  of  the  just,  and  the  glory  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven :  whither  Jesus  the  Forerunner  hath  for  us  entered ; 
where  now  He  lives  and  reigns,  and  is  worshipped  and  glorified, 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  God  blessed  for  ever.     Amen. 

Frexch  t  Waldexsu^-  LrnjBGiEs. 

Benedictw7i. 

The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee  : 

The  Lord  make  His  face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious 
unto  thee : 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee 
peace.     Amen. 

Or: 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 
Amen. 


THE   ilORNIXG  SERVICE.  19 


The   COMilAXDMENTS, 
To  he  read  after  die  Opening  Prayer  in  iJie  Morning  Service. 

KB.— That  the  Law  of  God  may  be  heard  by  the  people  with  pront,  the  ministtr 
should  always  read  tt  i;i  a  spirit  of  reference  and  devotion  :  and  ft  juay  be  proper  to 
pau.se  arter  ^ach  precept,  to  allow  the  offering  up  of  a  silent  petition  for  graciand 
forgiveness,  which  the  people  should  be  recommended  to  do.  grace  ana 

I. 

And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saving.  I  am  the  Lord  thv 
G-od,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Ecrypt  out 
of  the  house  of  bondage.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other°sods  be- 
fore me.  ° 

II- 
Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  anv  graven  iraao-e.  or  anv 
likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  'is  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth:  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thvself  to  them,  nor  serve  them :  for  I 
the  Lord  thv  God  am  a  jealous  God,  %'isiting  the  iniquitv  of 
the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  venera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me  ;  and  shewing  mere v  unto  thousands 
of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep  mv  commandments. 

III. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thv  God  in  vain, 
for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  ffis  name 
m  vain. 

IV. 

Eemember  the  Sabbath-dav,  to  keep  it  holv.  Six  days  shalt 
thou  labour,  and  do  all  thv  work  :  but  the  seventh  dav  is  the 
Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any 
work,  thou,  nor  thy  sou,  nor  thy  daughter,  thv  man-serv- 
ant, nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thv  stranger  that 
IS  withm  thy  gates  :  for  in  six  davs  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh 
day:  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath-dav,  and  hal- 
lowed it. 


Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother :  that  thv  davs  may  be 
long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 


20  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

VI. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII. 
Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour. 

X. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  house,  thou  shalt  not 
covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his  maid- 
servant, nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy 
neighbour's. 

Response. 

Which  may  he  suiig  hy  the  choir  and  congregation. 

1  Kings  vin.,  57,  58 

The  Lord  our  God  be  with  us :  let  Him  not  leave  us  nor  for- 
sake us :  that  He  may  incline  our  hearts  unto  Him,  to  walk  in 
all  His  ways,  and  to  keep  His  commandments. 

Or,  Hebrews  vin.,  10.  12. 

Lord,  put  Thy  laws  into  our  mind,  and  write  them  in  our 
hearts :  be  merciful  to  our  unrighteousness,  and  our  iniquities 
remember  no  more. 


THE   MORNING  SERVICE.  21 


The  Beatitudes, 
To  he  sometimes  read  in  place  of  the  Commandments. 

K  B. — It  is  proper  that  each  of  the^e  Beatitudes  befolhioed  by  the  congregation  with 
a  silent  petition  for  grace  to  inherit  the  bkssing. 

I. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  bath  said,  Blessed  are  the  poor  iu 
spirit :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

II. 
Blessed  are  they  that  mourn  :  for  they  shall  be  comforted. 

Ill, 
Blessed  are  the  meek  :  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. 


Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness :  for  they  shall  be  filled. 

V. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful :  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 

VI. 
Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall  see  God. 

VII. 

Blessed  are  the  peace-makers :  for  they  shall  be  called  the 
children  of  God. 

VIII. 

Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted  for  righteousness' 
sake  :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Iiesjwnse, 

Which  may  be  sung  by  the  choir  and  congregation. 

Psalm  lxvii.,  1. 

God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us  ;  and  cause  His  face 
to  shine  upon  us. 


THE 

ORDER  OF  DIVINE  SERVICE 

ON    THE 

Evening  of  the  Lord's  Day. 

Or,  on  an  Evening  in  the  Week. 


[TJie  Presbyterian  Formularies  of  Worship  impose  no  special  order  for  the  second 
service  on  the  Lord^s  Day.  The  original  practice  of  those  Divines  who  framed  them 
was  to  devote  that  service  to  the  catechetical  instruction  of  the  young  :  a  practice  en- 
tirely consonant  with  the  importance  always  attached  by  the  Church  to  that  duty. 
Hence  the  Minister  was  left  to  entire  freedom  of  selection  or  composition  for  the  after- 
noon service  of  the  Lord's  Day :  as  well  a?  for  whatever  occasional  services  might  be 
celebrated  upon  week-days.     The  following  forms  were  given  for  voluntary  lise.] 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth.     Amen. 

To  this  may  he  added  one  of  these  sentences : 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart, 
be  acceptable  in  Thy  sight,  0  Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Ee- 
deemer. 

0  send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth :  let  them  lead  me ; 
let  them_  bring  me  unto  Thy  holy  hill,  and  to  Thy  tabernacles  : 
Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God,  unto  God  my  exceeding 

joy- 

1  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from  whence  cometh 
my  help  :  my  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  which  made  heaven 
and  earth.  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved  :  He  that 
keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber :  behold.  He  that  keepeth  Israel 
shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 


THE   EVENING  SERVICE.  23 

Unto  Thee  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  0  Thou  that  dwellest  in  the 
heavens  !  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  look  unto  the  hand 
of  their  masters,  and  as  the  €3^68  of  a  maiden  i;nto  the  hand  of 
her  mistress ;  so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the  Lord  our  God,  until 
that  He  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  Thou  choosest,  and  causest  to  ap- 
proach unto  Thee,  that  he  may  dwell  in  Thy  courts :  we  shall 
be  satisfied  with  the  goodness  of  Thy  house,  even  of  Thy 
holy  temple. 

Behold,  bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  servants  of  the  Lord, 
which  by  night  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord :  lift  up  your 
hands  in  the  sanctuary,  and  bless  the  Lord.  The  Lord,' that 
made  heaven  and  earth,  bless  thee  out  of  Zion. 

ThenfoUoios  the  singing  of  a  Psalm  or  Hxmn  of  Praise  or  Thanksgiving. 

Next  the  ReadesG  of  Sceiptuke  o^it  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 

After  wJiichtheGEyrEUAL  Prayee,  which  may  le' extemporaneous,' or  else  selected  from 
the  foliowing  forms. 


Almighty  God,  Most  Merciful  Father !  We  do  not  present 
ourselves  before  Thy  Majesty  trusting  in  our  own  merits  or 
worthiness,  but  in  Thy  manifold  mercies.  Thou  hast  promised 
to  hear  our  prayers  and  to  grant  our  requests,  in  the  Name  of 
Thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  :  Who  also  hath  com- 
manded us  to  assemble  in  His  Name,  with  full  assurance  that 
He  will  be  with  us,  and,  as  our  Mediator  and  Advocate,  obtain 
all  things  expedient  for  our  good.  Therefore  we  beseech  Thee, 
Most  Merciful  Father !  turn  Thy  loving  countenance  toward 
us;  impute  not  unto  us  our  manifold  offences,  whereby  we 
justly  deserve  Thy  wrath ;  but  rather  receive  us  to  Thy  mercy 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  Accept  His  death  and  passion  for  all 
our  trespasses.  In  Him  alone  Thou  art  well-pleased;  and 
through  Him  Thou  canst  not  be  offended  with  us.  And  hav- 
ing of  Thy  compassion  chosen  us  to  be  heirs  with  Him  of  that 
immortal  Kingdom  prepared  for  us  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world :  We  beseech  Thee  to  increase  our  faith  and  knowledge, 
and  to  lighten  our  hearts  with  Thine  Holy  Spirit ;  that  we 
may  live  in  godly  conversation,  and  integrity  of  life. 

And  because  Thou  hast  bidden  us  pray  for  one  another,  we 
make  request,  0  Lord!  not  only  for  ourselves,  and  others  whom 
Thou  hast  called  to  the  apprehension  of  Thy  will,  but  for  all 
people  and  nations  of  the  world.  As  they  know  by  Thy  won- 
derful works  that  Thou  art  God  over  all,  so  by  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  may  they  learn  to  believe  in  Christ,  their  only  Saviour  and 


24  PRECE3   ECCLESIASTICS. 

Redeemer.  But  since  thej  can  not  believe  except  they  hear, 
nor  hear  but  by  preaching,  and  none  can  preach  except  they 
be  sent :  Raise  up,  O  Lord  !  faithful  distributors  of  Thy  Mys- 
teries, who,  setting  aside  all  worldly  considerations,  may  both 
in  their  life  and  in  their  doctrine  seek  only  Thy  glory.  Main- 
tain Thy  cause  against  all  opposition  ;  and  strengthen  all  Thy 
servants:  let  not  our  sins  and  wickedness  prove  a  hindrance  to 
the  spread  of  Thy  Truth :  but  speedily,  0  Lord !  regard  the 
afflictions  of  Thy" Church  ;  and  make  haste  to  save  us.  Arise, 
0  Lord !  and  let  Thine  enemies  be  ashamed ;  let  them  flee 
from  Thy  presence  that  hate  Thy  holy  Name  ;  let  the  groans  of 
the  prisoners  come  up  before  Thee  ;  and  preserve  by  Thy  power 
such  as  are  appointed  to  die.  Let  not  Thine  enemies  tri- 
umph to  the  end :  but  let  them  understand  that  against  Thee 
they  fight ;  behold  and  defend  the  vine  that  Thy  right  hand 
hath  planted ;  and  let  all  nations  see  the  glory  of  Thine 
Anointed,  Let  Thy  mighty  hand  and  outstretched  arm  be  ever 
our  defence ;  Thy  mercy  and  loving-kindness  in  Christ  our 
salvation ;  Thy  true  ancl  holy  Word  our  instruction ;  Thy 
grace  and  Holy  Spirit  our  consolation,  unto  the  end.  Grant 
these  our  requests,  O  Father !  and  all  other  things  needful  for 
us  and  Thy  whole  Church;  according  to  Thy  promise  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  :  In  whose  Xame  we  beseech  Thee  as  He 
hath  taught  us,  saying  :  Our  Father,  etc.  Ejjox. 


Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father !  We  invoke  Thy 
Name,  and  beseech  Thee  to  turn  away  Thy  face  from  our  man- 
ifold sins  and  transgressions,  whereby  we  have  not  ceased  to 
draw  Thine  anger  upon  us.  And  because  we  are  most  un- 
worthy to  appear  before  Thy  sovereign  Majesty,  be  pleased  to 
regard  us  only  in  Thy  well-beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ ;  accept- 
ing the  merits  of  his  death  in  satisfaction  for  all  our  offences, 
that  by  His  atonement  we  may  become  well-pleasing  in  Thy 
sight.  Pour  upon  us  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  illuminating  our 
minds  in  the  true  understanding  of  Thy  Word ;  and  bestow 
upon  us  grace,  that  receiving  Thy  Truth  into  our  hearts  with 
humility  and  fear,  we  may  be  led  to  put  all  our  trust  in  Thee 
only,  and  live  in  Thy  service  and  worship,  to  the  glory  of  Thy 
liol'y  Name.  These  benefits  we  ask,  not  only  for  ourselves,  but 
also  for  all  people  and  nations  on  the  earth.  Bring  back,  0 
Lord,  into  the  right  way  of  salvation,  all  poor  captives  of 
Ignorance  and  false  doctrine.  Raise  up  true  and  faithful  min- 
isters of  the  Word,  who  shall  seek  not  their  own  ease  and  am- 
bition, but  the  exaltation  of  Thy  Name  and  the  safety  of  Thy 
flock.     Remove  and   destrov  all  sects,  heresies,  and  errors, 


THE   EVENING   SERVICE.  25 

which  are  the  nurseries  of  strife  and  dissension  in  Thj  Chnrcli  • 
and  may  all  Thy  peoi)le  be  of  one  mind,  and  live  in'brotherly 
union.  Eule  Thou  and  govern  with  Thy  Spirit  all  kin^rs, 
prmces,  and  magistrates,  who  hold  the  administration  of  tlie 
sword  ;  that  their  dominion  be  exercised  not  in  avarice,  cruel- 
ty, and  oppression,  or  any  other  evil  and  inordinate  afll>ction, 
but  m  all  justice  and  uprightness.  May  we  also,  living  under 
them,  pay  them  due  lionour  and  reverence,  and  lead  quiet  and 
peaceable  lives,  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  Comfort  all  dis- 
tressed and  afflicted  persons,  Avhom  Thou  dost  visit  with  any 
kind  of  cross  or  tribulation ;  the  nations  whom  Thou  dost 
chasten  with  war,  pestilence,  famine,  or  any  other  plague- 
and  all  men  Avhom  Thou  dost  afflict  with  poverty,  imprfson- 
ment,  sickness,  banishment,  or  any  other  distress  of  body  or 
infirmity  of  mind.  Give  them  firm  patience  under  their  trials 
and  speedily  bring  them  out  of  their  afflictions.  Confirm  and 
strengthen  all  Thy  faithful  children,  who  in  any  place  are  suf- 
fering persecution  for  the  testimony  of  Thy  heavenly  Truth. 
Give  them  stedfast  constancy;  console  them;  suffer  not  the 
rage  of  rapacious  wolves  to  prevail  against  them ;  but  enable 
them  to  glorify  Thy  Name,  as  well  in  life  as  in  death.  Pre- 
serve and  defend  all  Thy  Churches  which  at  this  day  are  labour- 
ing and  fighting  for  the  testimony  of  Thv  blessed  Name.  Defeat 
and  overturn  all  the  counsels  of  their  enemies,  their  machina- 
tions and  devices.  So  may  Thy  glory  be  revealed,  and  the 
Kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  more  and  more  increased 
and  promoted.  All  this  we  ask  of  Thee,  as  our  Soverei'rn 
Lord  and  Master  hath  taught  us  to  pray :  Our  Father,  etc.*^ 

Calvin. 
III. 
{Paraphrase^  upon  the  Lord's  Prayer.) 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven  !  We  draw  near  to  Thee 
with  assured  confidence  through  Thy  beloved  Son ;  earnestly 
beseeching  that  Thy  great  and  holy  Name  be  glorified  in  every 
place.  Extend  Thy  dominion  over  all  the  earth  :  leading  Thy 
people  by  the  sceptre  of  Thy  Word,  and  the  power  of  Thy 
Spirit :  and  confounding  all  Thine  enemies  by  the  might  of 
Thy  justice  and  Thy  truth.  Be  pleased  to  rule  over  and  con- 
duct us ;  that  we  may  daily  learn  more  and  more  to  submit 
ourselves  to  Thy  Majesty,  as  our  Govfernor  and  King.  Destroy 
every  power  and  principality  opposed  to  Thy  glorv,  until 
Thy  Kingdom  be  perfectly  established,  and  Thou  "appear 
for  judgment  in  the  person  of  Thy  Son.  Great  God  !  make 
us  able  and  willing  to  render  Thee  true  and  perfect  obedience 
on  earth,  as  do  Thy  heavenly  augels,  that  seek  only  to  exe- 


26  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

cute  Thy  commands.  Thus  may  Thy  will  without  coutradic- 
tion  be  fulfilled  ;  and  all  men  submit  to  Thee,  renouncing  their 
own  purposes,  and  all  the  affections  of  the  flesh. 

Grant  also,  good  Lord  !  that  we,  walking  in  the  fear  and  love 
of  Thy  holy  Name,  may  through  Thy  goodness  be  nourished 
day  by  day ;  and  receive  at  Thy  hands  all  things  expedient 
and  necessary  for  us,  that  we  may  use  Thy  gifts  in  quietness 
and  peace.  And  observing  Thy  care  of  us,  may  we  better 
acknowledge  Thee  to  be  our  Father,  expect  all  benefits  at  Thy 
hands  only  ;  and  withdrawing  our  confidence  from  creatures, 
place  it  wholly  in  Thy  favour  and  Thy  love. 

And  because  in  this  mortal  life  we  are  so  feeble,  so  sinful,  so 
prone  to  wander  from  the  right  wa}^  and  do  so  continually 
come  short  of  our  duty  :  "We  beseech  Thee,  Lord !  forgive  our 
faults,  by  which  we  have  deserved  Thy  chastisement  ;  deliver  us 
from  that  everlasting  death  unto  which  we  are  justly  exposed  ; 
impute  not  unto  us  the  evil  that  dwells  within  us  ;  and  even 
so  may  we,  according  to  Thy  command,  forgive  the  trespasses 
of  others  against  us,  and  do  good  unto  our  enemies,  rather 
than  seek  their  hurt. 

Finally,  0  Lord !  be  pleased  to  uphold  us  henceforth  by 
Thy  power,  lest  we  fall  through  the  weakness  of  the  flesh. 
And  since  of  ourselves  we  are  frail,  and  beset  with  foes, 
the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  that  cease  not  to  war 
against  us  :  Be  pleased  to  fortify  us  with  Thy  Spirit,  and  arm 
us  with  Thy  grace ;  may  we  withstand  all  manner  of  tempt- 
ation, and  gain  full  victory  in  our  spiritual  warfare ;  so  that 
at  last  we  may  triumph  eternally  in  Thy  Kingdom,  with  our 
Sovereign  Head  and  Captain  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son.    Amen. 

Caltc.-. 


0  God  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

O  God  the  Son,  Eedeemer  of  the  world,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Be  merciful  unto  us  and  spare  us,  0  Lord. 

Be  merciful  unto  us  and  deliver  us,  0  Lord. 

From  all  sin,  from  all  error,  from  all  evil,  from  the  wiles  of 
the  devil,  deliver  us,  0  Lord. 

From  dying  suddenly  and  unprepared  ;  from  pestilence  and 
famine,  from  war  and  slaughter,  from  sedition  and  conspiracy, 
from  lightning  and  tempest,  from  everlasting  death,  deliver  us, 
0  Lord. 

By  the  mystery  of  Thy  holy  Incarnation,  by  Thy  holy  Na- 
tivity, by  Thy  Baptism,  Fasting,  and  Temptations,  deliver  us, 
0  Lord. 


THE  MOniTUrG  SERVICE.  27 

By  Thine  Agony  and  bloody  Sweat,  by  Thy  Cross  and  Pas- 
sion, by  Thy  Death  and  Burial," by  Thy  Resurrection  and  Ascen- 
sion, by  the  coming  of  the  Holy'Ghost  the  Comforter :  deliver 
us,  0  Lord. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our  felicity,  in 
the  hour  of  death,  in  the  day  of  judgment :  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

We  sinners  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  rule  and  govern  Thy  holy  Church 
Universal. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  preserve  in  soundness  of  word 
and  holiness  of  life,  all  pastors  and  ministers  of  Thy  Church. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  remove  all  sects  and  scandals. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bring  back  into  the  way  of  truth 
all  such  as  wander  and  have  been  led  astray. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  ijrush  Satan  under  our  feet. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  send  forth  faithful  labourers  into 
Thy  harvest. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  the  increase  of  Thy  Word 
and  the  fruit  of  Thy  Spirit  unto  all  that  hear. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  raise  the  fallen,  and  strengthen 
those  that  stand. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  console  the  weak-hearted,  and 
succour  the  tempted. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  peace  and  concord  unto  all 
rulers  and  governors. 

_  That  it  may  please  Thee  to  guide  and  protect  our  chief  ma- 
gistrate with  all  his  couQCJllors. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bless  and  preserve  our  people, 
and  all  in  authority  among  us. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  look  upon  the  afflicted,  and  those 
that  are  in  danger ;  and  to  comfort  them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  succour  all  women  in  the  perils 
of  child-birth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  cherish  and  protect  young  child- 
ren, and  sick  persons. 

Th^itjnay  please  Thee  to  defend  and  suitably  provide  for 
th^orphans  and  widows. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  freedom  unto  captives. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all  men. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  forgive  our  enemies,  persecutors, 
and  slanderers,  and  to  convert  them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  and  preserve  the  fruits  of 
the  earth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  all  these  our  requests. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have 
mercy  upon  us. 


28  PRECES   ECCLESIASTIC.^E, 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  grant 
us  peace. 

Lord,  deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  sins,  neither  reward 
us  according  to  our  iniquities. 

O  God,  Merciful  Father,  who  despisest  not  the  groans  of  the 
contrite,  nor  rcjcctest  the  desire  of  the  sorrowful :  Be  favoura- 
ble to  our  prayers,,  which,  in  our  afflictions  that  continually  op- 
press us,  we  pour  out  before  Thee  ;  and  graciously  hear  them  ; 
that  those  things  which  the  craft  of  the  devil  or  of  man  worketh 
against  us,  may  be  brought  to  nought,  and  by  the  counsel  of 
Thy  goodness  be  scattered ;  that  being  hurt  by  no  persecutions, 
we  may  ever  give  thanks  unto  Thee  in  Thy  hol}^  Church : 
Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  God,  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and 
all  just  works  proceed:  Give  unto  Thy  servants  that  peace 
which  the  world  can  not  give ;  that  both  our  hearts  may  be 
set  to  obey  Th}-  commandments,  and  also  that  we,  being  de- 
fended from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  by  Thy  protection 
pass  our  time  in  rest  and  quietness :  Through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  BucEE. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  Thy  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

After  this  Prayer  a  Hymn  shall  be  sung  before  the 

Sermon. 

Aft^r  which  another  Hymn ;  and  then  the 

Closing  Prayer. 
I. 

"We  most  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O  Father  of  Mercy,  for 
Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son's  sake,  that  as  Thou  hast  caused  the 
light  of  Thy  Word  clearly  to  shine  among  us,  and  hast  plainly 
instructed  us  by  the  external  Ministry  in  the  right  way  of  sal- 
vation :  So  it  may  please  Thee  inwardly  to  move  our  dull 
hearts;  and  by  the  power  of  Thy  Holy 'Spirit  to  write  and 
seal  in  them  that  holy  fear  and  reverence  which  Thou  requirest 
of  Thy  chosen.  Grant  us  faithful  obedience  to  Thy  holy 
will,  together  with  the  sense  that  our  sins  are  fully  purged  and 
freely  remitted,  by  that  One  Sacrifice  which  alone  is  accepta- 
ble to  Thee ;  the  obedience,  death,  and  mediation  of  Thy  Son 


THE    EVEXIXG   SERVICE. 


our  sovereign  Lord,  our  on] v  Shepherd  and  High  Priest,  Jesus 
Christ ;  to  Whom  with  Thee  and  with  the  Rolj  Ghost,  be  all 
honour  and  glorj,  world  without  end.     Amen.  Kxox. 


Almighty  God,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee  that  the  good  seed 
of  Thy  "Word,  now  sown  among  us,  may  take  such  deep  root, 
that  neither  the  burning  heat  of  afiliction  shall  cause  it  to  wither, 
nor  the  cares  of  this  world  shall  choke  it ;  but  that  as  seed 
sown  in  good  ground,  it  may  bring  forth  fruit  to  Thy  praise. 
And  because  for  our  infirmity  we  can  do  nothing  without  Thy 
help,  and  Thou  knowest  how  many  and  sore  temptations  sur- 
round us  :  Let  Thy  strength,  O  Lord,  sustain  our  weakness ; 
let  Thy  grace  defend  us  from  all  assaults  of  evil ;  increase  our 
faith,  that  we  may  never  swerve  from  Thy  commandment; 
augment  in  us  hope  and  love ;  and  may  no  hardness  of  heart, 
no  hypocrisy,  no  lusts  of  the  flesh,  no  enticements  of  the  world, 
draw  our  hearts  away  from  Thine  obedience.  Grant  this,  0 
Father,  we  beseech  Thee,  for  the  sake  of  our  Advocate  and 
Eedeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen.  kxox 

III. 

0  God,  who  dost  instruct  us  by  Thy  Holy  Scriptures,  we 
beseech  Thee  by  Thy  grace  to  enlighten  our  nainds  and  cleanse 
our  hearts ;  that  having  read,  heard,  and  meditated  ujion  them, 
we  may  rightly  understand  and  heartily  embrace  the  things 
Thou  hast  revealed  therein.  Give  efficacy  to  the  preaching 
of  the  Gospel,  that  through  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
this  holy  seed  may  be  received  into  our  hearts  as  into  good 
ground ;  and  that  we  may  not  only  hear  Thy  Word  but  keep 
it,  living  in  conformity  with  Thy  precepts ;  so  that  we  finally 
attain  everlasting  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen.  Wau)exsl\>,-  Litukgt. 

IV. 

O  Heavenly  Father !  Thy  Word  is  perfect,  converting  the 

soul ;  a  sure  testimon}-,  making  wise  the  simple  ;  enlightening 
the  eyes  of  the  blind  ;  and  a  powerful  mean  of  salvation  for 
all  them  that  believe.  Help  us,  Thine  unworthy  servants, 
whether  we  teach,  or  whether  we  be  taught,  to  learn  of  Thee. 
We  are  blind  by  nature,  wholy  incapable  of  doing  any  good ; 
and  Thou  wilt  Kelp  none  but  them  that  are  of  a  broken  and 
contrite  heart.  We  beseech  Thee  to  enlighten  our  understand- 
ing with  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  give  us  a  meek  heart,  free  from 
all  haughtiness  and  carnal  knowledge ;  that  we,  hearing  Thy 


30  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

Word,  may  rightly  understand  it,  and  rule  our  lives  accord- 
ingly. Be  graciously  pleased  to  convert  all  those  who  still 
stray  from  Thy  truth ;  that  we,  together  with  them,  may  unan- 
imously serve  Thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days 
of  our  life.  "We  ask  all  things  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  :  To  Whom  with  Thee  and"  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honour  and  praise  evermore.     Amen. 

Retormeb  Dxjtch  Litukgt. 

Benediction. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 
Amen. 


THE 

MANNER  OF  CELEBRATING 

THE 

Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 


The  sen-ice  may  be  introduced  by  the  singing  of  a  Sacramental  Eymn,  foUoxced  by 
these  prayers. 

The  Lordh  Prayer. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thv  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  q.s  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  ns 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

Invocation. 

Most  Gracious  God !  whose  well-beloved  Son  hath  once  offered 
up  His  body  and  blood  upon  the  Cross  for  the  remission  of  our 
sins,  and  doth  vouchsafe  them  for  our  meat  and  drink  unto 
life  eternal :  Grant  us  grace,  with  sincere  hearts  and  fervent 
desires,  to  accept  this  great  blessing  at  Thy  hands.  Mav  we 
by  lively  faith  partake  of  His  body  and  blood,  yea,  of  Him- 
self, true  God  and  man,  that  only  bread  from  "heaven,  that 
giveth  life  unto  our  souls.  Suffer  us  no  more  to  live  unto 
ourselves,  according  to  a  corrupt  and  sinful  nature  :  but  may 
He  live  in  us,  and  lead  us  to  the  life  that  is  holy,  blessed,  and 
unchangeable  for  ever.  Thus  may  we  be  partakers  of  the  new 
and  everlasting  Testament,  which  is  the  Covenant  of  grace. 
And  thus  assure  us  of  Thy  willingness  ever  to  be  our  gracious 


32  PKECES   ECCLESIASTICJE. 

Father ;  not  imputing  to  us  our  sins,  but  as  Thy  beloved  heirs 
and  children,  providing  us  ^Yith  all  things  needful  for  our  good, 
that  both  by  our  works  and  words  we  may  magnify  Thy 
Name.  Fit  us,  0  heavenly  Father !  at  this  time  so  to  cele- 
brate the  blessed  remembrance  of  Thj^  beloved  Son.  Enable 
us  profitably  to  contemplate  His  love,  and  shew  forth  the  ben- 
fits  of  His  death ;  That  receiving  fresh  increase  of  strength  in 
Thy  faith  and  in  all  good  works,  we  may  with  more  confidence 
call  Thee  our  Father,  and  evermore  rejoice  in  Thee:  Through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Eedeemer.     Amen. 

Let  us  now  make  profession  of  our  faith  in  the  doctrine  of 
the  Christian  religion,  wherein  we  do  all  purpose,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  to  live  and  to  die. 

The  Creed. 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth  :  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord ;  who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and 
buried ;  He  descended  into  hell ;  the  third  day  He  rose  again 
from  the  dead ;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  the  Holy  Catholic  Church,  the  Communion  of  Saints ; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the 
life  everlasting.     Amen. 

Then  follows  the  Exhortation ;  prefaced  with  the  words  of  the  institution,  from  1  Cor- 
inthians, XL  23-30. 

Uxhortation. 

Attend  to  the  words  of  the  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  they  are  delivered  by  the  Apostle 
Paul. 

For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered 
unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  He 
was  betrayed,  took  bread :  and  when  He  had  given  thanks.  He 
brake  it,  and  said.  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken 
for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  man- 
ner also,  He  took  the  cup,  when  He  had  supped,  saying.  This 
cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye 
drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  He 
come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body 
and  blood  of  the  Lord.     But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and 


SACRAMENT  OP  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.         33 

go  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  For  he 
that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh 
damnation  to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body. 

We  have  heard,  brethren,  in  what  manner  our  Lord  cele- 
brated the  Supper  among  His  disciples ;  whence  we  see  that 
those  who  are  not  of  the  company  of  the  faithful,  may  not 
approach  it.  Wherefore,  in  obedience  to  this  rule,  in  the 
Name  and  by  the  authority  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  warn 
all  idolaters,  blasphemers,  despisers  of  God,  heretics,  all  that 
are  rebellious  against  fathers  and  mothers,  all  that  are  seditious, 
contentious,  injurious,  and  all  that  lead  corrupt  and  wicked 
lives :  that  they  abstain  from  this  Table,  lest  they  pollute  the 
sacred  food  which  our  Lord  giveth  only  to  His  faithful  serv- 
ants. Let  each  of  you  then,  according  to  St,  Paul's  exhorta- 
tion, examine  and  prove  his  own  conscience,  to  know  whether 
he  have  true  repentance,  and  sorrow  for  his  sins ;  whether  he 
desires  henceforth  to  lead  a  holy  and  godly  life;  above  all 
things,  whether  he  puts  his  whole  trust  in  God's  mercy,  and 
seeks  his  whole  salvation  in  Jesus  Christ;  and  renouncing  all 
enmity  and  malice,  doth  truly  and  honestly  purpose  to  live  in 
harmony  and  brotherly  love  with  his  neighbour. 

If  we  have  this  testimony  in  our  hearts  before  God,  we  may 
not  doubt  that  He  adopts  us  for  His  children,  and  that  our 
Lord  Jesus  addresseth  to  us  His  word,  admitting  us  to  His 
Table,  and  presenting  us  with  this  holy  Sacrament,  which  He 
bestows  upon  His  followers.  And  notwithstanding  that  we  feel 
many  infirmities  and  miseries  in  ourselves,  as  namely,  that  we 
have  not  perfect  faith,  and  that  we  have  not  given  ourselves  to 
serve  God  with  such  zeal  as  we  are  bound  to  do,  but  have 
daily  to  battle  with  the  lusts  of  our  flesh  :  Yet  since  the  Lord 
hath  been  graciously  pleased  to  print  His  Gospel  upon  our 
hearts,  and  hath  enabled  us  to  withstand  all  unbelief;  and  hath 
given  us  this  earnest  desire  to  renounce  our  own  thoughts 
and  follow  His  righteousness  and  His  holy  commandments: 
Therefore  we  rest  assured,  that  remaining  sins  and  imperfec- 
tions do  not  prevent  us  from  being  received  of  God,  and  made 
worthy  partakers  of  this  spiritual  food.  For  we  come  not 
to  this  Supper  to  testify  hereby  that  we  are  perfect  and  right- 
eous in  ourselves:  but  on  the  contrary,  seeking  our  life  in 
Jesus  Christ,  we  acknowledge  that  we  lie  in  the  midst  of  death. 
Let  us  then  look  upon  this  Sacrament  as  a  medicine  for  those 
who  are  spiritually  sick  ;  and  consider  that  all  the  worthiness 
our  Lord  requires,  is  that  we  truly  know  ourselves,  be  sorry 
for  our  sins,  and  find  our  pleasure,  joy,  and  satisfaction  in  Him 
above. 
First,  then,  we  must  believe  these  promises  that  Jesus  Christ, 
3 


84  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

who  is  Infallible  Truth,  hath  pronounced  with  His  own  lips : 
That  He  is  truly  willing  to  make  us  partakers  of  His  body  and 
of  His  blood,  in  order  that  we  may  wholly  possess  Him,  that 
He  may  live  in  us,  and  we  in  Him.  And  although  we  see 
here  only  the  Bread  and  Wine,  let  us  not  doubt  that  He  will 
accomplish  spiritually  in  our  souls  all  that  He  outwardly  ex- 
hibits by  these  visible  signs  :  He  will  shew  Himself  to  be  the 
heavenly  Bread,  to  feed  and  nourish  us  unto  life  eternal.  Let 
us  not  be  unthankful  to  the  infinite  goodness  of  our  Lord,  who 
displays  all  His  riches  at  this  Table,  to  distribute  them  among 
us.  For  in  giving  Himself  to  us.  He  testifies  that  all  He  hath 
is  ours.  Also  let  us  receive  this  Sacrament  as  a  pledge,  that 
the  virtue  of  His  death  and  passion  is  imputed  unto  us  for 
righteousness ;  even  as  though  we  had  suffered  in  our  own 
persons.  Let  no  man  perversely  draw  back,  when  Jesus  doth 
gently  invite  him  by  His  Word.  But  considering  the  dignity 
of  His  precious  gift,  let  us  present  ourselves  to  Him  with  an 
ardent  zeal,  that  He  may  make  us  capable  of  receiving  it. 

And  now  to  this  end  lift  up  your  minds  and  hearts  on  high, 
where  Christ  abideth  in  the  glory  of  His  Father,  whence  we 
expect  His  coming  at  our  redemption.  Dwell  not  on  these 
earthly  and  corruptible  elements,  which  we  see  present  to  our 
eyes,  and  feel  with  our  hands,  to  seek  Him  in  them,  as  though 
He  were  inclosed  in  the  bread  or  in  the  wine.  Be  satisfied  to 
have  this  bread  and  this  wine  for  witnesses  and  signs  ;  seeking 
spiritually  the  truth  where  God's  Word  hath  promised  that  we 
shall  find  it.  For  then  only  shall  our  souls  be  disposed  to  re- 
ceive food  and  life  from  His  substance,  when  they  shall  thus  be 
lifted  above  all  worldly  things,  even  unto  heaven,  and  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God,  where  He  dwells. 

The  Consecrating  Prayer. 

Lord  God  !  The  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ!  Thou 
that  art  infinite  goodness  and  perfect  love !  We  bring  Thee 
the  sacrifice  of  our  praise  and  the  offering  up  of  our  thanks, 
for  Thine  inestimable  gift  in  sending  Thy  Son  into  the  world ; 
for  delivering  Him  up  to  die  for  us  all ;  and  for  inviting  us  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  fruits  of  His  atonement,  at  the  Table  of  this  holy 
feast.  Lord  !  what  are  we,  to  receive  such  priceless  benefits  at 
Thy  hand  ?  or  how  shall  we  worthily  shew  forth  our  gratitude 
to  Thee  ?  The  heavens  and  the  earth,  0  Lord !  are  full  of  the 
tokens  of  Thy  bounty  :  but  especially  dost  Thou  manifest  Thy 
love,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Ac- 
cept, 0  Lord  our  God  !  the  homage  of  Thine  adoring  people. 
And  grant  that  we,  partaking  of  this  holy  Sacrament,  to  which 
we  are  welcomed  by  Thy  grace,  may  now  join  ourselves  by  the 


SACRAirE^T   OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER.  35 

bonds  of  living  faith  and  true  holiness  to  our  Saviour :  so  that 
we  shall  not  henceforth  live  unto  ourselves,  but  that  He  may 
live  in  us,  to  lead  us  to  that  blessed  life  that  shall  have  no 
end. 

Father  of  Mercies !  who  didst  not  spare  Thine  only-begotten 
Son,  but  deliveredst  Him  to  death  for  us  all ;  and  hast  brought 
us  into  His  fellowship  that  we  may  obtain  everlasting  life :  We 
Thy  servants,  with  a  lively  sense  of  Thy  precious  gift,  do  now 
consecrate  ourselves  entirely  unto  Thee.  We  present  to  Thee 
our  bodies,  and  our  souls,  in  a  living/ and  holy  sacrifice.  And 
since  Thou  hast  loved  us  so  much,  we  acknowledge  ourselves 
constrained  to  love  one  another.  Impress  our  hearts,  O  God  I 
with  these  holy  inclinations :  that  so  celebrating  the  remem- 
brance of  Thy  dear  bon,  our  faith  may  grow  strong,  our  char- 
ity increase,  our  sanctification  advance  and  be  made  complete, 
until  we  be  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  Thy  saints  in  light 
everlasting.  Hear  us,  0  Father  of  Mercies  !  we  ask  all  in  the 
Name  of  Thy  well-beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord :  unto 
Whom,  as  unto  Thee,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  be  hon- 
our, praise,  and  glory,  now,  henceforth,  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

Tlien  the  Minister  is  to  take  the  Bread  and  break  it,  in  the  view  of  the  people,  saying : 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and  broken  it,  gave 
it  to  His  disciples ;  as  I,  ministering  in  His  Name,  give  this 
bread  unto  you  :  saying,  \_here  the  bread  is  to  be  distributed,']  Take, 
eat :  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in 
remembrance  of  Me. 

After  having  given  the  Bread,  he  shaU  take  the  Cup,  and  say :  i 

After  the  same  manner  our  Sa\dour  also  took  the  cup ;  and 
having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  His  Name,  He  gave 
it  to  the  disciples ;  saying,  [Aere  the  cup  is  to  be  given,]  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  My  blood,  which  is  shed  for  many,  for 
the  remission  of  sins :  drink  ye  all  of  it.  For  as  often  as  ye 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death 
till  He  come. 

The  Minister  himself  is  to  communicate,  at  such  tima  as  may  appear  to  him  most  con- 
venietU. 

Then  let  an  eucharistic  hymn  be  sung. 

The  collection  for  the  poor  may  be  made  after  this. 

Then  the  Minister  w  to  pray,  and  give  thanks  to  God. 


36  PEECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 


Thanksgiving. 

Heavenly  Father  I  we  give  Thee  immortal  praise  and  thanks 
that  upon  us  poor  sinners  Thou  hast  conferred  so  rich  a  bene- 
fit, as  to  bring  us  into  the  communion  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Him  having  delivered  up  to  death  for  us,  Thou 
hast  given  for  our  food  and  nourishment  unto  eternal  life. 
Now  also  grant  us  grace,  that  we  may  never  be  unmindful  of 
these  things  ;  but  carrying  them  about  engraven  on  our  hearts, 
may  we  advance  and  grow  in  that  faith  which  is  effectual  unto 
every  good  work.  Thus  may  the  rest  of  our  lives  be  ordered 
and  followed  out  to  Thy  glory  and  the  good  of  our  fellow- 
men  :  Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord :  Who  with  Thee,  0 
Father !  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth  in  the  unity 
of  the  Godhead,  world  without  end.    Amen. 

Benediction. 

Now  the  God  of  Peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  "Whom  be  glory 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

[From  Calvin,  with  the  exception/!  of  the  Consecrating  Prayer  from 
the  Liturgy  of  Greneva ;  and  the'  Manner  of  setting  apart  the  Ele- 
ments, from  the  Directory  of  Worship.] 


IL 

The  service  may  begin  with  the  singing  of  a  hymn,  followed  Jy  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
Invocation,  and  Creed,  as  in  the  first  Form. 

Exhortation. 

Let  us  mark,  dear  brethren,  how  Jesus  Christ  did  ordain 
unto  us  His  Holy  Supper,  according  as  St.  Paul  maketh  re- 
hearsal in  the  eleventh  chapter  of  the  First  Epistle  to  the  Co- 
rinthians, saying : 

For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered 
unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  He 
was  betrayed,  took  bread :  and  when  He  had  given  thanks,  He 
brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken 
for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  man- 
ner also,  He  took  the  cup,  when  He  had  supped,  saying,  This 
cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as 
ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.    For  as  often  as  ye  eat 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER,         37 

this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till 
He  come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body 
and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and 
so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  For  he 
that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh 
damnation  to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body. 

Dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  we  are  now  assem- 
bled to  celebrate  the  holy  Communion  of  the  body  and  blood 
of  our  Saviour  Christ,  let  us  consider  these  words  of  St.  Paul, 
how  he  exhorteth  all  persons  diligently  to  try  and  examine 
themselves,  before  they  presume  to  eat  of  that  bread,  and  to 
drink  of  that  cup.  For  as  the  benefit  is  great,  if  with  a  true 
penitent  heart  and  lively  faith  we  receive  that  laoly  sacrament, 
for  then  we  spiritually  eat  the  flesh  of  Christ,  and  drink  His 
blood:  then  we  dwell  in  Christ,  and  Christ  in  us ;  we  be  one 
with  Christ,  and  Christ  with  us  : — So  is  the  danger  great  if  we 
receive  the  same  unworthily ;  for  then  we  be  guilty  of  the  body 
and  blood  of  Christ  our  Saviour ;  we  eat  and  drink  our  own 
condemnation,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body;  we  kindle 
God's  wrath  against  us,  and  provoke  His  punishment  upon  us. 
And  therefore,  in  the  Name  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
Eternal  God,  and  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ,  I  separate  from  this 
Table  all  blasphemers  of  God,  all  idolaters,  all  that  be  in  malice 
or  envy,  all  persons  disobedient  to  father  or  mother,  and  finally 
all  such  as  live  a  life  directly  fightijig  against  the  will  of  God : 
charging  them,  as  they  will  answer  in  the  presence  of  Him  who 
is  the  righteous  Judge,  that  they  presume  not  to  profane  this 
most  holy  Table. 

And  yet  this  I  pronounce  not  to  exclude  any  penitent  per- 
son, how  grievous  soever  his  sins  before  have  been,  so  that  he 
feel  in  his  heart  unfeigned  repentance  for  the  same  :  but  only 
such  as  continue  in  sin  without  repentance.  Neither  yet  is 
this  pronounced  against  such  as  aspire  to  a  greater  perfection 
than  they  can  in  this  present  life  attain.  For  albeit  we  feel  in 
ourselves  much  frailty  and  wretchedness,  so  that  we  have  not 
faith  so  perfect  and  constant  as  we  ought,  being  many  times 
ready  to  distrust  God's  goodness,  through  our  corrupt  nature  ; 
and  also  that  we  are  not  so  thoroughly  given  to  serve  God,  nei- 
ther have  so  fervent  a  zeal  to  set  forth  His  glory  as  our  duty  re- 
quireth  ;  feeling  still  such  rebellion  in  ourselves,  that  we  have 
need  daily  to  fight  against  the  lusts  of  our  flesh  : — Yet  never- 
theless seeing  that  our  Lord  hath  dealt  thus  mercifully  with  us, 
that  He  hath  printed  His  Gospel  in  our  hearts,  so  that  we  are 
preserved  from  falling  into  despair  and  unbelief;  and  seeing 
that  He  hath  endued  us  with  a  will  and  desire  to  renounce  and 


38  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

withstand  our  own  affections,  with  a  longing  for  His  righteous- 
ness and  the  keeping  of  His  commandments :  We  may  be  now 
right  well  assured,  that  these  failures  and  manifold  imperfections 
shall  be  no  such  hindrance  against  us,  as  that  He  should  not 
accept  us,  and  count  us  worthy  to  come  to  His  spiritual  Table. 
For  the  end  of  our  coming  is  not  to  protest  that  we  are  just 
and  upright  in  our  lives ;  but  contrariwise,  we  come  to  seek  our 
life  and  perfection  in  Jesus  Christ ;  acknowledging  in  the  mean- 
time that  we  of  ourselves  are  children  of  wrath  and  condem- 
nation. 

Let  us  then  consider  this  Sacrament  as  a  precious  medicine 
for  all  poor  sick  creatures,  a  comfortable  help  to  weak  souls ; 
and  that  our  Lord  requireth  no  other  worthiness  on  our  part, ' 
than  this  :  that  we  unfeignedly  acknowledge  our  sinfulness  and 
imperfection.  Then  to  the  end  that  we  may  be  worthy  par- 
takers of  His  merits  and  most  comfortable  benefits,  which  is 
the  true  eating  of  His  flesh  and  drinking  of  His  blood,  let  us 
not  suffer  our  minds  to  wander  about  the  consideration  of  these 
earthly  and  corruptible  things,  which  we  see  present  to  our 
eyes  and  feel  with  our  hands ;  to  seek  Christ  bodily  present  in 
them,  as  if  He  were  enclosed  in  the  bread  and  wine,  or  as  if 
these  elements  were  turned  and  changed  into  the  substance  of 
His  flesh  and  blood.  But  as  the  only  way  to  dispose  our 
souls  to  receive  nourishment,  relief,  and  quickening  of  His 
substance,  let  us  lift  up  our  minds  by  faith  above  all  things 
worldly  and  sensible,  and  thereby  enter  into  heaven,  that  we 
may  find  and  receive  Christ  where  He  dwelleth  undoubtedly, 
very  God  and  very  man,  in  the  incomprehensible  glory  of  His 
Father :  to  Whom  be  all  praise,  honour,  and  glory,  now  and 
ever.  ,Ameij. 

The  Consecrating  Prayer. 

O  Father  of  Mercy,  and  God  of  iv'i  consolation !  Thou 
whom  all  creatures  acknowledge  and  confess  as  Governor  and 
Lord  :  It  becomes  us,  the  workmanship  of  Thine  hands,  at  all 
times  to  reverence  and  magnify  Thy  holy  Majesty ;  For  that 
Thou  hast  created  us  in  Thine  image ;  but  chiefly  that  Thou 
hast  delivered  us  from  everlasting  death  and  condemnation, 
whereunto  we  were  drawn  by  means  of  sin  :  from  the  bondage 
whereof  neither  man  nor  angel  was  able  to  make  us  free.  And 
we  do  praise  Thee,  0  Lord  1  that  rich  in  mercy  and  infinite  in 
goodness,  Thou  hast  provided  our  redemption  to  stand  in  Thine 
only  and  well-beloved  Son :  Whom  of  very  love  Thou  didst 
give  to  be  made  man  like  unto  us  in  all  things,  sin  excepted ; 
in  His  body  to  receive  the  punishment  of  our  transgression ; 
by  His  death  to  make  satisfaction  to  Thy  justice ;  and  through 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD"s  SUPPER.  89 

His  resurrection  to  destroy  him  that  was  the  author  of  death, 
and  so  to  bring  again  hfe  to  the  world,  from  which  the  whole 
offspring  of  Adam  most  justly  was  exiled, 

0  Lord  !  we  acknowledge  that  no  creature  is  able  to  compre- 
hend the  length  and  breadth,  the  depth  and  height,  of  that 
Thy  most  excellent  love  ;  which  moved  Thee  to  shew  mercy 
where  none  was  deserved;  to  promise  and  give  life  where 
death  had  gotten  the  victory:  to  receive  us  again  in  Thy 
favour,  when  we  could  do  nothing  but  rebel  against  Thv  law. 
0  Lord  !  the  blind  dulness  of  our  corrupt  nature  will  not  suf- 
fer us  sufficiently  to  weigh  these  Thy  most  ample  benefits. 
Yet  nevertheless,  at  the  command  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
we  present  ourselves  at  this  His  Table,  which  He  hath  left  to 
be  used  in  remembrance  of  His  death,  until  His  coming  again: 
to  dedicate  ourselves  unto  His  service,  renewing  our  vows, 
and  engaging  henceforth  to  obey  His  will ;  to  declare  and  wit- 
ness before  the  world,  that  by  Him  alone  Thou  dost  acknow- 
ledge us  Thy  children ;  that  by  Him  alone  we  have  access  to 
Thy  throne  of  grace  ;  that  by  Him  alone  we  are  brought  into 
His  spiritual  Kingdom,  to  eat  and  drink  at  His  Table ;  with 
whom  we  have  our  conversation  even  now  in  heaven ;  and  by 
whom  our  bodies  shall  be  raised  up  again  from  the  dust,  and 
shall  be  placed  with  Him  in  that  endless  jov,  which  Thou.  0 
Father  of  Mercy  1  hadst  prepared  for  Thine  elect  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world  was  laid.  And  these  most  inestima- 
ble benefits,  we  acknowledge  to  have  received  of  Thv  free 
mercy  and  grace,  by  Thine  only-begotten  Son  Jesus  Chri'st  our 
Lord :  for  the  which  therefore  we  Thy  congregation,  moved  by 
Thine  Holy  Spirit,  render  all  thanks,'praise,  and  glory,  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen. 

Thtn  the  Minister  is  to  take  the  Bread,  and  break  it,  in  the  view  of  the  people,  saying : 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and  broken  it,  gave 
it  to  His  disciples ;  as  I,  ministering  in  His  Name,  give  this 
bread  unto  you  :  saying,  J^]i£iUhehr^  isiabe^distrihutecL]  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  re- 
membrance of  Me. 

After  having  given  the  Bread,  he  shall  take  the  Cup,  and  say: 

After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took  the  cup  ;  and 
having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  His  Name,  He  gave 
it  to  the  disciples  ;  saying.  {Jiere  the  cup  is  io  be  given,']  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  My  ^lood,  which  is  shed  for  many,  for 
the  remission  of  sins  :  drink  ye  all  of  it.     For  as  often  as  ye 


40  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death 
till  He  come. 

The  Minister  himself  i$  to  communicate,  at  such  time  as  may  appear  to  him  most  con- 
venient. 

Then  let  an  eucharistic  hymn  be  sung. 

The  collection  for  the  poor  may  be  made  after  this. 

Then  the  Minister  is  to  pray,  and  give  thanks  to  God. 

Thanksgiving. 

Most  Merciful  Father !  we  render  Thee  all  praise,  thanks, 
and  glory,  for  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee,  of  Thy  great  mercies, 
to  grant  us  miserable  sinners  so  excellent  a  gift,  as  to  receive 
us  into  the  fellowship  and  company  of  Thy  dear  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord ;  whom  Thou  hast  delivered  to  death  for  us, 
and  given  as  our  needful  food  and  nourishment  unto  everlast- 
ing life.  And  now  we  beseech  Thee  also.  Heavenly  Father ! 
to  grant  our  prayer,  that  Thou  wilt  never  suffer  us  to  forget 
these  worthy  benefits;  but  rather  imprint  and  fasten  them 
surely  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  grow  and  increase  daily  more 
and  more  in  that  true  faith,  which  is  continually  exercised  in 
all  manner  of  good  works.  Confirm  us,  0  Lord  !  that  we  may 
stand  immoveable  in  the  profession  of  Thy  Name,  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  Thy  glory,  who  art  God  over  all  things,  blessed 
for  ever.     So  be  it.     Amen. 

Benediction. 

Now  the  God  of  Peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ;  to  Whom  be 
glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen.  Ks-ox. 


ni. 

The  service  may  begin  with  the  singing  of  a  Hymn,  followed  by  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
Invocation,  and  Creed,  as  in  the  first  Form. 

Exhortation. 

Hear  what  the  Apostle  Paul  saith  :  For  I  have  received  of 
the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you.  That  the  Lord 
Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took  bread  : 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER.         41 

and  when  He  had  given  thanks,  He  brake  it,  and  said,  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  mj  body,  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  re- 
membrance of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also,  He  took  the 
cup,  when  He  had  supped,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testa- 
ment in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
brance of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  He  come.  Where- 
fore, whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the 
Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the 
Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of 
that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and 
drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself, 
not  discerning  the  Lord's  body. 

You  are  invited  hither,  dear  brethren,  to  be  guests  at  this 
holy  Table,  by  the  Lord's  command,  to  receive  the  greatest 
mercy,  and  to  perform  the  greatest  duty.  On  Christ's  part  all 
things  are  made  ready.  The  feast  is  prepared  for  you,  even 
for  you  that  by  sin  have  deserved  to  be  cast  out  of  the  presence 
of  the  Lord ;  for  you  that  have  so  oft  neglected  and  abused 
mercv :  a  feast  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  free  to  you, 
but  (fear  to  Him.  You  were  lost,  and  in  -the  way  to  be  lost  for 
ever  ;  when  by  the  greatest  miracle  of  condescending  love,  He 
sought  and  saved  you.  You  were  dead  in  sin,  condemned  by 
the  law,  the  slaves  of  Satan;  there  wanted  nothing  but  the 
executing  stroke  of  justice  to  have  sent  you  into  endless  mise- 
ry: when  our  Redeemer  pitied  you  in  your  blood,  and  shed  His 
own  to  wash  and  heal  you.  He  suffered  who  was  offended, 
that  the  offender  might  not  suffer.  He  cried  out  on  the  cross, 
My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?  that  we,  who 
had  deserved  it,  might  not  be  everlastingly  forsaken.  He 
died,  that  we  might  live.  0,  how  should  this  mercy  of  re- 
demption affect  you !  See  here  Christ  dying  in  this  holy  re- 
presentation !  Behold  the  sacrificed  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh 
away  the  sins  of  the  world.  It  is  His  will  to  be  thus  frequently 
crucified  before  our  eyes.  O,  how  should  we  be  covered  witn 
shame,  and  loathe  ourselves,  who  have  both  procured  the 
death  of  Christ  by  sin,  and  sinned  against  it.  And  how  should 
we  all  be  filled  with  joy,  who  have  such  mysteries  of  mercy 
opened,  and  so  great  salvation  freely  offered  to  us.  0,  hate 
sin.  0,  love  this  Saviour.  See  that  you  come  not  hither  with- 
out a  desire  to  be  more  holy ;  nor  with  a  purpose  to  go  on  in 
wilfulr  sin.  Be  not  deceived,  God  is  not  mocked.  But  If  you 
heartily  repent,  and  consent  to  the  covenant,  come,  and  wel- 
come. We  have  commission  from  Christ  to  tell  you  that  you 
are  welcome.  Let  no  trembling,  contrite  soul  draw  back,  that 
is  willing  to  be  Christ's  upon  His  covenant  terms  :'  but  believe 


42  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

that  Christ  is  much  more  willing  to  be  yours.  He  was 
first  willing,  and  therefore  died  for  you,  and  made  the  cove- 
nant of  grace,  and  sent  to  invite  and  importune  you  to  consent, 
and  stayed  for  you  so  long,  and  gave  you  your  repentance, 
your  willingness,  and  desire.  Question  not  then  His  willing- 
ness, if  you  are  willing :  it  is  Satan  and  unbelief  that  would 
have  you  questiQ.n_it,  to  the  injury  both  of  Christ  and  you. 
Come  near,  observe,  believe,  and  wonder  at  the  riches  of  His 
love  and  grace :  for  He  hath  Himself  invited  you  to  see  and 
taste,  that  you  might  wonder.  You  are  sinners :  but  He  invit- 
eth  you  to  receive  a  renewed,  sealed  pardon  of  your  sins,  and 
to  give  you  more  of  His  Spirit  to  overcome  them.  See  here 
His  broken  body  and  His  blood,  the  testimonies  of  His  willing- 
ness. Thus  hath  He  sealed  the  covenant,  which  pardoneth  all 
your  sins,  and  ^ecureth  you ^f^our  reconciliation  with  God, 
and  your  adoption72Liid  your  right,  to  everlasting  blessedness. 
Deny  not  your  consent,  but  heartily  give  up  yourselves  to 
Christ :  and  then  doubt  not  that  your  scarlet,  crimson  sins  shall 
be  made  as  white  as  wool  or  snow.  Object  not  the  number  or 
greatness  of  them  against  His  grace :  there  is  none  too  great 
for  Him  to  pardon  to  penitent  believers.  But  strive  you  then 
for  great  loathing  of  your  sins,  and  greater  love  to  such  a  God, 
aad  greater  thanks  to  such  a  Saviour.  Unfeignedly  say,  I  am 
willing,  Lord,  to  be  wholly  Thine  :  and  then  believingly  take 
Christ,  and  pardon,  and  life,  as  given  you  by  His  own  appoint- 
ment in  the  sealed  covenant.  And  remember  that  He  is  com- 
ing. He  is  coming  with  thousands  of  His  mighty  angels,  to 
execute  judgment  on  the  ungodly ;  but  to  be  glorified  in  His 
saints,  and  admired  in  all  that  do  believe.  And  then  we  shall 
have  greater  things  than  these.  Then  shall  you  see  all  the 
promises  fulfilled,  which  now  are  sealed  to  you,  on  which  He 
causeth  you  to  trust.  Eevive  now  your  love  to  one  another, 
and  forgive  those  that  have  wronged  you,  and  delight  in  the 
communion  of  saints :  and  then  you  shall  be  admitted  into  the 
Church  triumphant,  where,  with  perfect  saints,  you  shall  per- 
fectly rejoice,  and  love  and  praise  the  Lord  forever.  Receive 
now  a  crucified  Christ  here  represented,  and  be  content  to  take 
up  your  cross,  and  follow  Him.  And  then  you  shall  reign 
with  a  glorified  Christ,  in  the  blessed  vision  and  fruition  of 
that  God,  to  whom  by  Christ  you  are  now  reconciled.  Let 
faith  and  love  be  working  upon  these  things,  while  you  are  at 
this  holy  Table. 

The  Consecrating  Prayer. 

Almighty  God,  Thou  art  the  Creator  and  the  Lord  of  all 
things.     Thou  art  the  sovereign  Majesty  whom  we  have  of- 


SACRAMENT    OF   THE   LORD's   SUPPER.  45 

fended.  Thou  art  our  most  loving  and  merciful  Father, 
who  hast  given  Thr  Son  to  reconcUe  us  to  Thvself:  who 
hath  ratified  the  new  testament  and  covenant  of '  crrace  with 
His  most  precious  blood  ;  and  hath  instituted  this  holv  Sacra- 
ment to  be  celebrated  in  remembrance  of  Him  till  His'comincr. 
Sanctify  these  Thv  creatures  of  bread  and  wine,  which  accord- 
ing to  Thv  institution  and  command  we  set  apart  to  this  holv 
use,  that  thev  may  be  sacramentallj  the  bodv  and  blood  of 
Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

ifost  merciful  Saviour,  as  Thou  hast  loved  us  to  the  death, 
and  sufiered  for  our  sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  and  hast  in- 
stituted this  holy  ordinance  to  be  used  in  remembrance  of  Thee 
till  Thy  coming:  We  beseech  Thee,  bv  Thine  intercession 
with  the  Father,  through  the  sacrifice  of  Thv  bodv  and  blood, 
give  us  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  and  Thv  quicke'ning  Spirit 
without  which  the  flesh  will  profit  us  nothing.  Eeconcile  us 
to  the  Father ;  nourish  us  as  Thy  members  to  everlastins:  life. 

Most  Holy  Spirit,  proceeding 'from  the  Father  and  the  Son; 
by  whom  Christ  was  conceived ;  bv  whom  the  prophets  and 
apostles  were  inspired,  and  the  ministers  of  Christ  are  qualified 
and  called ;  Thou  that  dwellest  and  workest  in  all  the  members 
of  Christ,  whom  Thou  sanctifiest  to  the  image  and  for  the  serv- 
ice of  their  Head,  and  comfortest  that  th'ey  mav  show  forth 
His  praise  :  Illuminate  us,  that  by  faith  we  may  s'ee  Him  who 
is  here  represented  to  us.  Soften  our  hearts,  and  humble  us 
for  our  sins.  Sanctify  and  quicken  us,  that  we  mav  relish  t^ 
spiritual  food,  and  feed  on  it  to  our  nourishment  and  growth  in 
grace.  Shed  abroad  the  love  of  God  upon  our  hearts,  and 
draw  them  out  in  love  to  Him.  Fill  us  with  thankfulness  and 
^oly  joy,  and  with  love  to  one  another.  Comfort  us  by  \N-it- 
nessing  that  we  are  the  children  of  God.  Confirm  us  for  new 
obedience.  Be  the  earnest  of  our  inheritance,  and  seal  us  unto 
everlasting  life. 

Accept  us,  0  Lordf  who  resign  ourselves  unto  Thee  as 
Thine  o^vn :  and  with  our  thanks  and  praise,  present  ourselves 
a  living  sacrifice,  to  be  acceptable  through'  Christ,  useful  for 
Thine  honour,  through  time,  and  through  etemitv.  Being 
made  free  from  sin,  and  become  Thv  servants,  let  us'  have  ou? 
fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life:  Throuc-h 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen.  ° 

Then  tt«  Minister  is  to  take  the  Bread  and  break  it,  in  the  view  of  the  oeimle. 
saying:  •         ^^r^ 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and  broken  it,  gave 
it  to  His  disciples  ;  as  I,  ministering  in  His  Xame,  give'this 


44  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICiE. 

bread  unto  yon:  saying,  [here  the  bread  is  to  he  distributed^']  Take, 
eat :  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  re- 
membrance of  Me. 

Afler  having  given  fkt  Bread,  let  him  take  ike  Gup,  and  say : 
After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took  the  cup,  and 
having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  His  Name,  He  gave 
it  to  the  disciples ;  saying,  [here  the  cup  is  to  be  given,]  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  My  blood,  which  is  shed  for  many,  for 
the  remission  of  sins :  drink  ye  all  of  it.  For  as  often  as  ye 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death 
till  he  come. 

The  Minister  himsdf  is  to  communicate,  at  such  time  as  may  appear  to  Aim  most 


Then  let  an  euehariatie  hymn  be  sung. 

The  CoUeetion  for  the  poor  rnay  be  made  after  this. 

Then  the  Minister  is  to  pray,  and  give  thanks  to  God. 

Thanksgiving. 

Most  Glorious  God,  how  wonderful  Thy  power  and  wis- 
dom. Thy  holiness  and  justice,  Thy  love  and  mercy,  in  this 
work  of  redemption,  by  the  incarnation,  life,  death,  resurrec- 
tion, intercession,  and  dominion  of  Thy  Son  I  No  wisdom  or 
power  in  heaven  or  earth  could  have  delivered  us  but  Thine. 
The  angels  desire  to  look  into  this  mystery :  the  heavenly  host 
do  celebrate  it  with  praises,  saying.  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est :  on  earth  peace,  good- will  towards  men.  The  whole  cre- 
ation shall  proclaim  Thy  praises:  Blessing,  honour,  glory, 
and  power,  be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever.  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  honour,  and  glory :  for  He 
hath  redeemed  us  to  God  by  His  blood,  and  made  us  kings 
and  priests  unto  our  God.  And  hast  Thou  indeed  forgiven  us 
so  gre^t  a  debt,  by  so  precious  a  ransom?  Wilt  Thou  in- 
deed give  us  to  reign  with  Christ  in  glory,  and  see  Thy  face, 
and  love  Thee  and  be  loved  of  Thee  for  ever  ?  Yea,  Lord ! 
Thou  hast  forgiven  us,  and  wilt  glorify  us ;  for  Thou  art  faith- 
ful that  hast  promised.  O  set  our  affections  on  the  things 
above :  let  our  conversation  be  in  heaven,  from  whence  we 
expect  our  Saviour  to  come  and  change  us  into  the  likeness 
of  His  glory.  Then  will  we  perfectly  praise  and  worthily 
magnify  Thee  for  ever,  0  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost :  to 
whom  be  glory.     Amen. 


S^CEAMEJTT  OF  THE   LOKD'S   SUPPER, 


Benediction. 

Now  tlie  God  of  Peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the^ sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  yrork  to  do  His  "will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ :  to  "Whom  be  glory 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen.  Baxiek. 


IT. 
The  service  may  begin  with  the  singing  of  «  hymn,  JoUovoed  by  ike 

Exhortation. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  attend  to  the  words  of 
the  institution  of  the  holy  Supper  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as 
they  are  delivered  by  the  holy  Apostle  Paul. 

For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered 
unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  He 
was  betrayed,  took  bread :  and  when  He  had  given  thanks, 
He  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is 
broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the 
same  manner  also  He  took  the  cup,  when  He  had  snpped, 
saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this 
do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as 
often  as  re  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew 
the  Lord^s  death  till  He  come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unwonhily, 
shall  be  guilty  of  the  bodv  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let"^a 
man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and 
drink  of  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 
eateth  and  drinketh  damnation*  to  himself,  not  discerning  t£e 
Lord's  body. 

That  we  may  now  celebrate  the  Supper  of  the  Lord  to 
our  comfort,  it  is  necessary  first  that  every  one  consider 
by  himself  his  sins,  and  the  curse  due  to  him  for  them  :  to 
the  end  that  he  may  abhor  and  humble  himself  before  God; 
considering  that  the  wrath  of  God  against  sin  is  so  great,  that 
rather  than  it  should  go  unpunished,  He  hath  punished  the 
same  in  His  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  with  the  bitter  and 
shameful  death  of  the  cross. 

Secondly,  Let  every  one  examine  his  own  heart,  whether  he 
doth  believe  this  faithful  promise  of  God  :  that  all  his  sins  are 

♦  Gr. — Kpiua.    D. — Oordeel.    E. — Judgment,  condemnation. 


46  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

forgiven  him,  only  for  the  sake  of  the  passion  and  death  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  and  that  the  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  is 
imputed  and  freely  given  to  him  as  his  own ;  yea,  so  perfectly 
as  if  he  had  in  his  own  person  satisfied  for  all  his  sins,  and 
fulfilled  all  righteousness. 

Thirdly,  Let  every  one  examine  his  own  conscience,  whether 
he  hath  resolved  henceforth  to  shew  true  thankfulness  to  God 
in  his  whole  life,  and  to  walk  uprightly  before  Him  :  and  also 
whether  he  hath  laid  aside  unfeignedly  all  enmity,  hatred,  and 
envy,  and  doth  firmly  resolve  henceforward  to  walk  in  true 
love  and  peace  with  his  neighbour. 

All  those  who  are  thus  disposed,  God  will  certainly  receive 
in  mercy,  and  count  them  worthy  partakers  at  the  table  of  His 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  On  the  contrary,  those  who  do  not  feel 
this  testimony  in  their  hearts,  eat  and  drink  judgment  to  them- 
selves. Therefore,  we  also,  according  to  the  command  of 
Christ  and  the  Apostle  Paul,  admonish  all  those  who  know 
themselves  to  be  defiled  with  the  following  sins,  to  keep  them- 
selves from  the  Table  of  the  Lord ;  and  declare  to  them  that 
they  have  no  part  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ.  Such  as  are  idol- 
aters ;  all  those  who  use  or  confide  in  any  form  of  divination  ; 
all  despisers  of  God  and  of  His  Word,  and  of  the  holy  Sacra- 
ments; all  profane  or  false  swearers;  contentious  persons, 
and  those  who  live  in  hatred  and  envy  against  their  neigh- 
bours; all  unclean  persons,  drunkards,  thieves,  liars,  slanderers, 
covetous  ;  and  all  who  lead  offensive  lives.  These,  while  they 
continue  in  such  sins,  shall  ^abstain  from  this  meat  which 
Christ  hath  ordained  only  for  the  faithful ;  lest  their  judg- 
ment and  condemnation  be  made  the  heavier. 

But  this 'is  not  designed,  dearly  beloved  brethren  and  sis- 
ters in  the  Lord,  to  deject  the  contrite  hearts  of  the  faithful ; 
as  if  none  might  come  to  this  Supper,  but  such  as  are  without 
[  sin.  For  we  do  not  come  to  this  Supper  to  testify  thereby 
I  that  we  are  perfect  and  righteous  in  ourselves:  but  on  the 
^  contrary,  since  we  are  seeking  our  life  out  of  ourselves,  in 
Jesus  Christ,  we  acknowledge  by  this  very  service  that  we  lie 
in  the  midst  of  death.  Therefore,  notwithstanding  we  still  find 
many  short-comings  and  miseries  in  ourselves;  as  namely, 
that  we  have  not  perfect  faith  ;  and  that  we  do  nof~give  our- 
selves to  serve  God  with  Jhat  zeal  as  we  are  bound ;  but  have 
daily  to  strive  with  the  weakness^f  our  faith,  and  the  evil 
lusts  of  our  own  flesh ;  yet  since,  by  the  grace  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  are  sorry  for  these  weaknesses,  and  earnestly  desi- 
rous to  fight  against  our  unbelief,  and  to  live  according  to  all 
■the  commandments  of  God  :  Therefore,  we  rest  assured,  that 
no  sin  or  infirmity  which  still  against  our  will  remaineth  in 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER.         47 

US,  can  hinder  us  from  being  received  of  God  in  mercy,  and 
thus  made  worthy  partakers  of  this  heavenly  meat  and  drink. 

Let  us  now  also  consider  to  what  end  the  Lord  hath  institu- 
ted His  Supper :  namely,  That  we  do  it  in  remembrance  of 
Him.  Now  after  this  manner  are  we  to  remember  Him  in  it. 
First,  We  must  be  confidently  persuaded  in  our  hearts,  that 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  was  sent  of  the  Father  into  the  world  ; 
He  assumed  our  flesh  and  blood ;  He  bore  for  us  the 
wrath  of  God,  under  which  we  should  have  perished  ever- 
lastingly, from  the  beginning  of  His  incarnation  to  the 
end  of  His  life  upon  earth;  especially  when  the  weight 
of  our  sins  and  of  the  wrath  of  God  pressed  out  of  Him  the 
bloody  sweat  in  the  garden,  where  he  was  bound  that  our 
bonds  might  be  loosed.  Afterwards  He  suffered  innumerable 
tevilings,  that  we  might  never  come  to  shame.  In  His  inno- 
cence He  was  condemned  to  death,  that  we  might  be  acquitted 
at  the  judgment-seat  of  God.  Yea,  He  suffered  His  blessed 
body  to  be  nailed  on  the  Cross,  that  He  might  fasten  thereon 
that  handwriting  of  our  sins.  And  hath  also  taken  upon 
Himself  the  curse  due  to  us,  that  He  might  fill  us  with  His 
blessings ;  and  humbled  Himself  unto  the  deepest  reproach 
and  pains  of  hell,  in  body  and  in  soul,  on  the  tree  of  the  Cross, 
when  He  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast 
Thou  forsaken  me :  that  we  might  be  made  nigh  unto  God, 
and  never  be  forsaken  of  Him.  And  finally  He  confirmed 
with  His  death  and  the  shedding  of  His  blood  the  new  and 
eternal  testament,  that  covenant  of  grace  and  reconciliation ; 
when  He  said.  It  is  finished.  And  that  we  might  firmly  be- 
lieve that  we  belong  to  this  covenant  of  grace,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  hath  ordained  this  Holy  Supper,  and  said,  This  do  in 
remembrance  of  Me  :  That  is,  as  often  as  yet  eat  of  this  bread 
and  drink  of  this  cup,  ye  shall  thereby,  as  by  a  sure  memorial 
and  pledge,  be  admonished  and  assured  of  this  my  hearty  love 
and  faithfulness  toward  you.  That  whereas  you  should  other- 
wise have  suffered  eternal  death,  I  have  given  my  body  to  the 
death  of  the  Cross,  and  have  shed  ray  blood  for  you,  and  with 
my  crucified  body  and  shed  blood  do  nourish  your  hungry 
and  thirsty  souls  to  everlasting  life,  as  surely  as  this  bread  is 
broken  before  your  eyes,  and  this  cup  is  given  to  you,  and  you 
eat  and  drink  the  same  with  your  mouth,  in  remembrance  of 
Me. 

From  this  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  see  that  He  directs  our  faith  and  trust  to  His  perfect 
sacrifice  once  offered  on  the  Cross,  as  to  the  only  ground  of  our 
salvation ;  wherein  He  is  become  to  our  hungry  and  thirsty 
souls  the  true  meat  and  drink  of  life  eternal.    For  by  His 


48  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICiE. 

death  He  hatli  taken  away  the  cause  of  our  eternal  death 
and  misery ;  namely,  sin :  and  obtained  for  us  the  life-giving 
Spirit ;  that  we  by  the  same,  which  dwelleth  in  Christ  as  in 
the  Head,  and  in  us  as  in  His  members,  might  have  true  com- 
munion with  Him,  and  be  made  partakers  of  all  His  blessings, 
of  life  eternal,  righteousness,  and  glory.  And  furthermore, 
that  we  by  the  same  Spirit  may  also  be  united  as  members  of 
one  Body  in  true  brotherly  love ;  as  the  holy  Apostle  saith, 
For  we  being  many  are  one  bread  and  one  body  :  for  we  are 
all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.  For  as  out  of  many  grains 
one  meal  is  ground  and  one  bread  baked ;  and  out  of  many 
berries  being  pressed  together  one  wine  floweth  and  mixeth 
itself  together :  so  all  we,  who  by  a  true  faith  are  engrafted 
into  Christ,  shall  through  brotherly  love  be  one  body  for  the 
sake  of  Christ  our  beloved  Saviour,  who  hath  first  so  exceed- 
ingly loved  us.  And  this  we  shall  shew  not  only  in  word,  but 
also  in  very  deed. 

Hereto  assist  us  the  Almighty  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  through  His  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

That  we  may  obtain  all  this,  let  us  humble  ourselves  before 
God,  and  with  true  feith  implore  His  grace. 

The  Cons&yrating  Prayer. 

0  Most  Merciful  God  and  Father  1  we  beseech  Thee  that  in 
this  Supper,  by  which  we  celebrate  the  glorious  remembrance 
of  the  bitter  death  of  Thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  Thou 
wilt  so  work  in  our  hearts  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  with  true 
confidence  we  may  more  and  more  give  ourselves  up  unto  Thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ ;  that  our  burthened  and  fainting  hearts  may, 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  fed  and  comforted 
with  His  true  body  and  blood,  yea,  with  Him,  true  God  and 
man,  that  only  heavenly  Bread.  And  may  we  no  longer  live 
in  our  sins,  but  He  in  ua  and  we  in  Him ;  and  thus  be  true 
partakers  of  the  new  and  everlasting  covenant  of  g^race.  May 
we  not  doubt  that  Thou  wilt  for  ever  be  our  gracious  Father, 
never  more  imputing  our  sins  unto  us,  and  providing  us  as 
Thy  beloved  children  and  heirs,  with  all  things  necessary  as 
well  for  the  body  as  the  soul.  Grant  us  also  Thy  grace,  that 
we  may  cheerfully  take  upon  us  our  cross,  deny  ourselves,  con- 
fess our  Saviour,  and  in  all  tribulations  with  uplifted  heads 
expect  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  heaven,  where  He  will  make 
our  mortal  bodies  like  unto  His  most  glorious  body,  and  take 
us  to  be  for  ever  with  Himself. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.     Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.     And  forgive  us 


c 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER.  49 

our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  po-wer,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen, 

Strengthen  us  also  by  this  holy  Supper  in  the  Catholic  un- 
doubted Christian  Faith,  whereof  we  make  confession  with  our 
mouths  and  hearts,  saying  : 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth :  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord  :  who  was 
conceived  by  the  -Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Marv,  suf- 
fered under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ; 
He  descended  into  hell :  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the 
dead  ;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and'sitteth  on  the  right  hand 
of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
the  Holy  Catholic  Church,  the  Communion  of  Saints;  th« 
forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  life 
everlasting.     Amen. 

That  we  may  now  be  fed  with  the  true  heavenly  Bread, 
Christ  Jesus,  let  us  not  cleave  with  our  hearts  unto  the  external 
bread  and  wine,  but  lift  them  up  on  high,  where  Christ  Jesus 
is  our  Advocate,  at  the  right  hand  of  His  heavenly  Father ; 
whither  aU  the  articles  of  our  faith  lead  us :  not  doubting  that 
through  the^worklng  of  the^oly  Ghost,  we  shall  be  fed  and 
refreshed  in  our  souls  with  His  *^body  and  blood,  as  surely  as 
we  receive  the  holy  bread  and  wine  in  remembrance  of  Him. 

Then  the  Minister  w  to  take  the  Bread,  and  bregk  itiaUie  view  of  the  pwpic,  aaying  : 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and  broken  it,  gave 
it  to  His  disciples ;  as  I,  ministering  in  His  Name,  give  this 
bread  unto  you :  saying,  [here  the  h-ead  is  to  he  distributed,'] 
Take,  eat ;  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken  for  you ;  this  do 
in  remembrance  of  Me. 

After  having  given  the  Bread,  he  shm  take  iheC^,ind  say: 

After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took  the  cup ;  and 
having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  His  Name,  He  gave 
it  to  the  disciples :  saying,  [here  the  cup  is  to  he  given']  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  My  blood,  which  is  shed  for  many,  for 
the  remission  of  sins  :  drink  ye  all  of  it.  For  as  often  as  ye 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death 
till  He  come. 


50  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

In  distributing  the  Bread,  the  Minister  sJiaU  say : 

The  bread  which  we  break  is  the  communion  of  the  body  of 
Christ. 

And  when  he  giveth  the  Cup : 

The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless  is  the  communion  of  the 
blood  of  Christ. 

During  the  Communion  there  iJtaU  w  may  be  devoutly  sung  a  Psalm,  or  some  chapter 
read,  in  remembrance  of  the  death  of  Christ:  as  Isaiah  LIIL,  St.  John  XIII^ 
XIV.,  XVI.,  XVII.,  XVUL,  or  the  like. 

After  the  Communion,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Beloved  in  the  Lord,  since  the  Lord  hath  now  fed  our  souls 
at  His  Table,  let  us  therefore  jointly  praise  His  holy  Name 
with  thanksgiving,  and  every  one  say  in  his  heart  thus  : 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul :  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless 
His  holy  Name. 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul :  and  forget  not  all  His  benefits. 

Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities :  who  healeth  all  thy  dis- 


Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction :  who  crowneth 
thee  with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious :  slow  to  anger  and  plen- 
teous in  mercy. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins  :  nor  rewarded  us 
according  to  our  iniquities. 

For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the  earth :  so  great  is  His 
mercy  toward  them  that  fear  Him. 

As  far  as  the  East  is  from  the  West :  so  far  hath  He  removed 
our  transgressions  from  us. 

Like  as  a  Father  pitieth  his  children :  so  the  Lord  pitieth 
them  that  fear  Him. 

Who  hath  not  spared  His  own  Son,  but  delivered  Him  up 
for  us  all,  and  given  us  all  things  with  Him.  Therefore  God 
commendeth  therewith  His  love  towards  us,  in  that  while  we 
were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much  more  then,  being 
now  justified  in  His  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrafh 
through  Him.  For  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  recon- 
ciled to  God  by  the  death  of  His  Son :  much  more  being  recon- 
ciled we  shall  be  saved  by  His  life.  Therefore  shall  my  mouth 
and  heart  show  forth  the  praises  of  the  Lord  from  this  time  for 
evermore.     Amen. 

Then  let  an  eucharisiic  hymn  be  sung. 

The  collection  for  the  poor  may  be  made  after  this. 

Then  the  Minister  is  to  pray,  and  give  thanks  to  God. 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LORD's  SUPPER.  51 


Thanksgiving. 

Let  every  one  say  with  an  attentive  heart : 

0  Ahnighty,  Merciful  God  and  Father,  with  our  whole  hearts 
we  thank  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  of  Thy  boundless  mercy  given 
us  Thine  only-begotten  Son,  to  be  our  Mediator,  and  the  sacri- 
fice for  our  sins,  and  our  meat  and  drink  unto  life  eternal. 
We  bless  Thee  that  Thou  givest  us  lively  faith,  whereby  we 
are  made  partakers  of  such  Thy  benefits :  and  hast  been  pleased 
that  Thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ  should  ordain  His  holy 
Supper  for  the  confirmation  of  the  same.  Grant  then  we  be- 
seech Thee,  O  faithful  God  and  Father,  that  through  the  work- 
ing of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  this  remembrance  made  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  this  shewing  forth  of  His  death,  may  tend  to 
the  daily  increase  of  our  faith  and  saving  fellowship  with  Him : 
Unto  Whom,  as  unto  Thee,  O  Father  1  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
honour  and  praise  for  ever.     Amen. 

Benediction. 

Now  the  God  of  Peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Clirist,  to  whom  be  glory 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen.  Reformed  Dutch  Liturgy. 


PKECES   ECCLESIASTIC.^!:. 


SENTENCES^ 


Which  may  be  repeated  iy  the  Minister „^intervdls  of  silence,  during  the 
participation. 

The  Bread  wHch  we  breaki'  is  tihe  communion  of  the  Body 
of  Christ.  " 

I  am  the  Bread  of  life,  saith  Jesus;  he  that  cometh  to  Me 
shall  never  hunger  j  and  he  that  belie vetdi  on  Me  shall  never 
thirst. 

The  Son  of  Man  came,  to  give  His  life  a  ransom  for  many. 

He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  He  was  bruised  for 
our  iniquities :  the  chastisement  *^  our  peace  was  upon  Him ; 
and  with  His  stripes  we  are  heaied. 

He  was  oppressed,  and  He  was  afflicted,  yet  He  opened  not 
His  mouth. 

Surely  He  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows. 

Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the 
world. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceplation,  that 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners ;  of  whom  1 
am  the  chief. 

Come  unto  Him,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and 
He  will  give  you  rest.  Take  His  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 
Him :  for  He  is  meek  and  lowly  in  heart :  and  ye  shall  find 
rest  unto  your  souls. 

And  now,  little  children,  abide  in  Him ;  that  when  He  shall 
appear,  we  may  have  confidence,  and  not  be  ashamed  at  His 
coming. 

The  Cup  of  Blessing  which  we  blessffis  the  communion  of 
the  Blood  of  Christ.  ^ 

I  am  the  Vine,  saith  Jesus,  ye  are  the  branches ;  abide  in  Me 
and  I  in  you. 

Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down 
his  life  for  his  friends :  ye  are  My  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever 
I  command  you. 

God  so  loved  the  world,  that  He  gave  His  only-begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  Him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life. 

Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God,  because  He  laid  down 
His  life  for  us :  and  we  ought  to  lay  down  our  Hves  for  the 
brethren. 


SACRAMENT  OF  THE  LOED's  SUPPEF.         53 

Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon 
us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God. 

We  know  that  when  He  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  Him : 
for  we  shall  see  Him  as  He  is. 

It  is  a  faithful  saying,  If  we  be  dead  with  Him,  we  shall  also 
live  with  Him :  if  we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign  with  Him. 

_  Fear  not,  little  flock :  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  Kingdom. 

Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into 
the  heart  of  men,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them 
that  love  Him. 

Yet  a  little  while,  and  He  that  shall  come  will  come,  and 
will  not  tarry.     Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus. 


SENTElfCES, 
Which  may  be  read  during  the  collection  for  the  poor. 

Remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  He  said,  It  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive. 

Ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that,  though 
He  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  He  became  poor,  that  ye  through 
His  poverty  might  be  rich. 

To  do  good  and  to  communicate  forget  not :  for  with  such 
sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased. 

_  Every  man  according  as  he  purposeth  in  his  heart,  so  let  him 
.  give  j  not  grudgingly,  or  of  necessity :  for  God  loveth  a  cheer- 
ful giver. 

If  there  be  first  a  willing  mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to 
that  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  that  he  hath  not, 

Eemember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  He  said,  Ye 
have  the  poor  with  you  always,  and  whensoever  ye  will  ye 
may  do  them  good. 

As  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let  us  do  good  unto  all 
men,  especially  unto  them  who  are  of  the  Household  of  Faith. 

For  the  administration  of  this  service  not  only  supplieth  the 
want  of  the  saints,  but  is  abundant  also  by  many  thanksgivings 
unto  God. 

God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  and  labour  of 
love,  which  ye  have  shewed  toward  His  name,  in  that  ye 
have  ministered  to  the  saints,  and  do  minister. 

Thanks  be  to  God  for  His  unspeakable  gift. 


THE  FORM 

OF 

Administering  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism. 


I, 

Invocation. 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth.     Amen. 

Address. 

Do  you  present  this  child  to  be  baptized  ? 

Answer :  We  do. 

Our  Lord  hath  shewed  us  in  what  poverty  and  misery  we  are 
all  born,  when  He  saith  that  we  must  be  born  again.  For  if  it 
is  necessaiy  that  our  nature  be  renewed,  in  order  that  we  may 
enter  the  Kingdom  of  God :  This  signifies  that  it  is  originally 
guilty  and  depraved.  Thus  He  teacheth  us  that  we  must  hum- 
ble ourselves,  and  become  displeased  with  ourselves ;  and  thus 
He  prepares  us  to  desire  and  seek  His  grace :  whereby  all  the 
depravity  and  guilt  of  our  former  nature  shall  be  done  away. 
For  we  are  not  capable  of  receiving  that  grace,  unless  we  oe 
first  emptied  of  all  confidence  in  our  own  strength,  wisdom, 
and  righteousness,  even  so  as  to  condemn  all  that  is  in  our- 
selves. 

Now  when  Our  Lord  hath  shewed  us  our  misery.  He  doth 
likewise  comfort  us  by  His  mercy :  promising  to  regenerate  us 
by  His  Holy  Spirit  in  a  new  life,  that  shall  be  to  us  as  it  were 


SACRAME^'T   OF   BAPTISM.  55 

an  entrance  into  His  Kingdom.  This  regeneration  consists  of 
these  two  parts :  First,  That  we  do  renounce  ourselves,  not  follow- 
ing our  own  reason,  our  own  pleasure,  and  our  own  will :  but 
bringing  into  subjection  our  understanding  and  affections  to 
the  wisdom  and  righteousness  of  God ;  mortifying  all  that  is 
of  us  and  of  our  flesh.  And  secondly.  That  we  follow  God's 
light,  obeying  and  delighting  ourselves  in  His  good  pleasure, 
as  He  manifests  it  by^His  Word,  and  leads  us  to  it  by  His 
Spirit.  The  fulfilment  of  both  these  things  rests  in  our 'Lord 
Jesus  Christ;  TVhose  passion  and  death  are  of  such  power, 
that  participating  in  them,  we  become  as  it  were  buried  unto 
sin,  that  our  carnal  lusts  may  be  mortified  and  slain.  So  too 
by  the  power  of  His  resurrection  we  are  raised  to  newness  of 
life  in  God,  by  so  much  as  His  Spirit  conducts  and  governs  us, 
to  work  in  us  the  things  that  are  well-pleasing  to  Him.  But 
the  first  and  principal  point  of  our  salvation  is,  that  by  His 
mercy  He  remits  to  us  all  our  offences,  not  imputing  them  unto 
us,  but  destroying  even  the  remembrance  of  them,  that  they 
come  not  into  account  at  His  judgment. 

These  graces  are  all  conferred  upon  us,  when  God  is  pleased 
to  incorporate  us  into  His  Church  by  Baptism.  For  m  this 
Sacrament  He  doth  witness  to  us  the  remission  of  our  sins. 
And  for  this  cause  He  hath  ordained  the  sign  of  water,  figuring 
to  us  that  as  by  this  element  the  stains  of  the  body  are  cleansed, 
so  He  is  willing  to  wash  and  purify  our  souls,  that  no  spot  ap- 
pear any  longer  upon  them.  And  also  He  doth  represent  to 
us  here  our  regeneration ;  which,  as  hath  been  said,  consists  in 
the  mortifying  of  our  flesh,  and  the  spiritual  life,  which  He 
produces  in  us.  Thus  we  receive  in  Baptism  a  twofold  grace 
and  benefit  from  our  God ;  provided  that  we  destroy  not  the 
virtue  of  this  sacrament  by  our  ingratitude :  to  wit,  That  we 
have  here  a  sure  testimony  that  God  is  willing  to  be  our  pro- 
pitiated Father,  not  imputing  to  us  our  sins  and  offences  ;  and 
secondlv,  that  He  will  assist  us  by  His  Holy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  figlit  against  the  devil,  sin,  and  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  even 
to  have  the  victory  over  them,  and  to  live  in  the  liberty  of  His 
kingdom,  which  is  the  kingdom  of  righteousness  and  peace. 
Since  then  it  is  so,  that  these  two  things  are  accomplished 
in  us  by  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ,  it  follows  that  the  virtue 
and  the"  substance  of  Baptism  are  included  in  Him.  And  in 
fact  we  have  no  other  washing  than  His  blood :  and  we  have 
no  other  renewal  than  in  His  death  and  resurrection  :  but  as 
He  communicates  to  us  His  riches  and  blessings  by  His 
"Word,  so  too  He  distributes  them  to  us  by  His  Sacraments. 

But  our  gracious  God  is  not  content  to  have  adopted  us  for 


56  Pl^ECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

His  children,  and  received  us  into  the  communion  of  His 
Church  :  He  hath  chosen  more  fully  to  extend  His  goodness 
over  us  ;  and  this  by  promising  that  He  will  be  our  God,  and 
the  Grod  of  our  seed,  unto  a  thousand  generations.  And  al- 
though the  children  of  believers  belong  to  the  corrupt  race  of 
Adam,  He  nevertheless  doth  not  fail  to  accept  them  by  virtue 
of  this  Covenant,  and  adopt  them  into  the  number  of  His 
People.  Hence  from  the  beginning  He  hath  chosen  that  in 
His  Church  the  children  should  receive  the  sign  of  circumci- 
sion, whereby  He  then  represented  all  that  to-day  is  manifested 
in  Baptism.  And  as  He  commanded  them  that  they  should 
be  circumcised,  so  He  adopted  them  for  His  children,  and 
called  Himself  their  God,  as  He  was  the  God  of  their  fathers. 

Now,  therefore,  since  the  Lord-  Jesus  came  down  to  earth, 
not  to  diminish  the  grace  of  God  His  Father,  but  to  enlarge 
the  covenant  of  salvation  which  then  was  confined  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Jews,  so  as  to  include  the  whole  world :  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  our  children  are  the  heirs  of  that  life  which 
He  hath  promised.  And  for  this  cause  St.  Paul  hath  said,  that 
they  are  sanctified  of  God  from  the  womb,  that  they  may  be 
distinguished  from  the  children  of  heathen  and  unbelievers. 
And  therefore  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  received  the  children  who 
were  brought  to  Him,  as  it  is  written  in  the  Gospel : 

Then  were  there  brought  unto  Him  little  children,  that  He 
should  put  His  hands  on  them,  and  pray :  and  the  disciples  re- 
buked them.  But  Jesus  said,  Sufier  little  children,  and  forbid 
them  not,  to  come  unto  Me ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

Since  then  He  declares  that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  belong- 
eth  unto  them ;  since  He  layeth  His  hands  upon  them,  and 
commendeth  them  to  God  His  Father :  He  doth  sufficiently 
teach  us,  that  we  must  not  exclude  them  from  His  Church. 
Therefore  in  pursuance  of  this  rule,  we  shall  receive  this  child 
into  His  Church,  to  the  end  that  he  may  be  made  partaker  of 
the  blessings  which  God  hath  promised  to  the  faithful.  And 
first  of  all  we  shall  present  him  to  God  by  our  prayers,  humbly 
saying  with  all  our  hearts  thus : 

Prayer. 

Lord  God,  Eternal  and  Almighty  Father,  since  it  hath 
pleased  Thee  of  Thine  infinite  mercy  to  promise  that  Thou 
wilt  be  a  God  to  us  and  to  our  children :  We  pray  Thee  to 
confirm  this  grace  unto  the  child  here  present,  begotten  and 
born  of  parents  whom  Thou  hast  called  into  Thy  Church.    And 


SACRAMENT   OF  BAPTISM.  57 

since  he  is  offered  and  consecrated  unto  Thee  by  us,  wilt  Thou 
receive  him  into  Thine  holy  protection,  declaring  Thyself  to 
be  his  God  and  Saviour,  forgiving  him  the  original  sin  whereof 
the  whole  race  of  Adam  is  guilty  ;  and  sanctifying  him  by  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  so  that  when  he  shall  come  to  years  of  discretion, 
he  shall  know  and  worship  Thee  as  his  only  God,  and  glorif}-- 
Thee  throughout  all  his  life.  And  to  obtain  such  mercies,  wilt 
Thou  be  pleased  to  incorporate  him  into  the  communion  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  he  may  have  a  part  in  all  His  benefits, 
as  a  member  of  His  Body.  Grant,  Father  of  mercies,  that  the 
Baptism  we  confer  upon  him  according  to  Thine  Ordinance, 
may  produce  its  fruit  and  manifest  its  power,  as  Thou  hast 
declared  in  the  Gospel  of  Thy  Son :  Who  hath  taught  us  to 
say : 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  Thy  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

As  this  child  is  to  be  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
Christian  Churcli,  you  do  promise,  when  he  is  come  to  years  of 
discretion,  to  instruct  him  in  the  doctrine  embraced  by  God's 
People,  and  summarily  comprehended  in  our  common  Confes- 
sion of  Faith,  to  wit : 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth  :  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son,  our  Lord  ;  who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered 
under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  He  de- 
scended into  hell ;  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the  dead ; 
He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God 
the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church,  the  Communion  of  Saints ;  the  forgiveness  of 
sins;  the  resurrection  of  the  body;  and  the  life  everlasting. 
Amen. 

You  promise  that  you  will  teach  this  child  to  read  the  Word 
of  God.  You  will  instruct  him  in  the  principles  of  our  holy 
Religion,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures  ofi  the  Old  and  New 
Testament.  You  will  teach  him  to  repeat  the  Catechism,  the 
Apostles'  Creed,  and  the  Lord's  Prayer.  You  will  pray  with 
and  for  this  child ;  you  will  set  an  example  of  piety  and  god- 
liness before  him ;  and  endeavour,  by  all  the  means  of  God's 
appointment,  to  bring  him  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord. 


58  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

These  promises  being  made,  the  child  shall  be  named ;  and  the  Mnisier  caHing  him  by 
his  name,  shaU  say  : 

I  baptize  thee  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Sod, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

As  he  pronounces  these  words,  he  is  to  baptise  the  child  with  water,  by  pouring  er 
sprinkling  on  the  face  of  the  child,  without  adding  any  other  ceremony :  and  the 
whok  shaU  be  concluded  with  prayer.  Calvtn. 

Fvr  ike  concluding  prayer,  er  .Thanksgiving,  see  the  succeeding  forms. 


n. 
Invocation. 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth.    Amen. 

Address. 

Do  ye  here  present  this  child  to  be  baptized,  earnestly  de- 
siring that  he  may  be  engrafted  in  the  mystical  body  of  Jesus 
Christ? 

Answer :  Yea,  we  require  the  same. 

Then  let  us  consider,  dearly  beloved,  how  Almighty  God 
hath  not  only  made  us  His  children  by  adoption,  receiving  us 
into  the  fellowship  of  His  Church :  but  also  hath  promised 
that  He  will  be  our  God,  and  the  God  of  our  children,  unto  a 
thousand  generatfons.  Which  promise,  confirmed  to  His  Peo- 
ple in  the  Old  Testament  by  the  Sacrament  of  Circumcision, 
He  hath  renewed  to  us  in  His  New  Testament  by  the  Sacra- 
ment of  Baptism  :  giving  us  thereby  to  know,  that  our  infants 
belong  to  Him  by  covenant,  and  therefore  ought  not  to  be 
deprived  of  those  holy  signs  and  badges,  whereby  His  children 
are  known  from  unbehevers. 

Neither  is  it  requisite  that  all  those  who  receive  this  Sacra- 
ment should  have  the  use  of  understanding  and  faith :  but 
chiefly  that  they  be  contained  under  the  name  of  God's  Peo- 
ple, so  that  remission  of  sins  in  the  blood  of  Christ  Jesus  doth 
pertain  unto  them  by  the  promise  of  God.  This  is  most  evi- 
dent from  the  words  of  St.  Paul,  who  pronounces  the  children 
begotten  and  born,  either  of  the  parents  being  faithful,  to  be 
clean  and  holy.  Also  our  Saviour  Christ  admitteth  children 
to  His  presence,  embracing  and  "blessing  them.  Which  testi- 
monies of  the  Holy  Ghost  assure  us,  that  infants  are  of  the 
number  of  God's  People,  and  that  remission  of  sins  doth  also 
belong  to  them  in  Christ.     Therefore  they  can  not  without  in- 


SACRAilENT   OF   BAPTISM.  69 

jury  be  debarred  from  the  common  sign  of  God's  children. 
And  yet  this  outward  action  is  not  of  such  necessity,  that  the 
lack  thereof  should  be  hurtful  to  their  salvation  ;  if,  prevented 
bj  death,  thej  may  not  be  presented  to  the  Church.  But  we, 
having  respect  to  that  obedience  which  Christians  owe  to  the 
voice  and  ordinance  of  Christ  Jesus,  who  commanded  to 
preach  to  and  baptize  all,  without  exception,  do  judge  them 
only  unworthy  of  any  fellowship  with  Him,  who  contemptu- 
ously refuse  such  ordinary  means  as  His  wisdom  hath  ap- 
pointed to  the  instruction  of  our  dull  -senses. 

Further,  it  is  evident  that  Baptism  was  ordained  to  be  mi- 
nistered in  the  element  of  water,  to  teach  us  that,  like  as  water 
outwardly  doth  wash  away  the  filth  of  the  body,  so  inwardly 
doth  the  virtue  of  Christ's  blood  cleajise  our  souls  from  that 
corruption  and  deadly  poison  wherewith  by  nature  we  were 
infected;  whose  venomous  dregs,  although  they  continue  in 
this  our  flesh,  yet  by  the  merits  of  His  death  are  not  imputed 
unto  us,  because  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ  is  made  ours 
by  Baptism.  Not  that  we  deem  any  such  virtue  or  power  to 
be  included  in  the  visible  water,  or  outward  action  ;  for  many 
have  been  baptized,  and  yet  never  inwardly  cleansed:  But 
that  our  Saviour  Christ,  who  commanded  Baptism  to  be 
ministered,  will,  by  the  power  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  effectually 
work  in  the  hearts  of  His  Elect,  in  time  convenient  all  that 
is  meant  and  signified  by  the  same.  And  this  the  Scripture 
calls  our  regeneration ;    which  consists  chiefly  in  these  two 

f)oints  :  mortification,  that  is  to  say  a  resisting  of  the  rebellious 
usts  of  the  flesh ;  and  newness  of  life,  whereby  we  continually 
strive  to  walk  in  the  pureness  and  perfection  wherewith  we 
are  clad  in  Baptism. 

And  though  in  the  journey  of  this  life,  we  are  assailed' 
with  many  foes,  yet  do  we  not  fight  without  fruit.  For  this 
constant  battle  which  we  wage  against  sin,  death,  and  hell,  is 
a  most  infallible  argument  that  God  the  Father,  mindful  of 
His  promise  made  unto  us  in  Christ  Jesus,  doth  not  only  give 
us  desire  and  courage  to  resist  them,  but  also  assurance  to 
overcome.  Wherefore,  dearly  beloved,  it  is  not  only  neces- 
sary that  we  be  once  baptized,  but  also  it  profiteth  much  to 
be  often  present  at  this  ministration :  that  oeing  put  in  mind 
of  the  league  and  covenant  made  between  God  and  us,  that 
He  will  be  our  God,  and  we  His  People,  He  our  Father,  and 
we  His  children,  we  may  have  occasion  to  try  as  well  our  past 
lives  as  our  present  conversation ;  and  to  prove  ourselves, 
whether  we  stand  fast  in  the  faith  of  God's  Elect,  or  have 
strayed  from  Him  through  unbelief  and  ungodly  lives.  If 
our  consciences  do  thus  accuse  us,  yet  by  hearing  the  loving 


60  PRECES  ECCLESIASTIC-E. 

promises  o^  our  heavenly  Father,  who  calls  all  men  to  mercy 
by  repentance,  we  may  henceforth  walk  more  warily  in  our  vo- 
cation. Moreover  ye  that  be  fathers  and  mothers,  should  take 
peculiar  comfort  in  seeing  your  children  thus  received  into  the 
bosom  of  Christ's  Congregation  :  whereby  you  are  admonished 
to  nourish  and  bring  up  the  children  of  God's  favour  and  mer- 
cy, over  whom  His  fatherly  providence  continually  watches. 
'  And  as  this  ought  greatly  to  rejoice  you,  knowing  that 
nothing  can  happen  unto  them  without  His  good  pleasure,  so 
should  it  make  you  diligent  and  careful  to  nurture  and  in- 
struct them  in  the  true  knowledge  and  fear  of  God.  Wherein 
if  ye  be  negligent,  ye  do  not  only  injure  your  own  children, 
hiding  from  them  the  good  will  and  pleasure  of  Almighty 
God  their  Father :  but  also  you  heap  upon  yourselves  judg- 
ment, in  suffering  His  children,  bought  with  the  blood  of  His 
dear  Son,  so  treacherously  for  lack  of  knowledge  to  turn  away 
from  Him.  Hence  it  is  your  duty  with  all  diligence  to  pro- 
vide that  your  children,  in  due  time,  be  instructed  in  all 
knowledge  necessary  for  a  true  Christian  :  chiefly  that  they  be 
taught  to  rest  upon  the  righteousness  of  Christ  Jesus  alone, 
and  to  abhor  and  flee  all  superstition  and  idolatry.  And  now 
to  the  intent,  that  we  may  be  assured  that  you,  the  parents  of 
this  child,  consent  to  the  performance  of  all  this:  Declare 
here,  before  the  face  of  God's  Congregation,  the  sum  of  that 
Faith  wherein  ye  believe,  and  will  instruct  your  child. 

Then  ihe  father,  vr  in  hia  absence  the  godfather,  shaU  rehearse  the- articles  of  Tiis  faith, 
asfoUowa: 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven 
and  earth  :  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord ;  who 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried; 
He  descended  into  hell ;  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the 
dead ;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand 
of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
the  holy  Catholic  Church,  the  Communion  of  Saints ;  the  for- 
giveness of  sins;  the  resurrection  of  the  body;  and  the  life 
everlasting.     Amen. 

Then  follows  this 

Prayer. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  who  of  Thine  infinite  mercy 
and  goodness  hast  promised  unto  us  that  Thou  wilt  be  not 
only  our  God,  but  also  the  God  and  Father  of  our  children  : 
We  beseech  Thee  that  having  called  us  to  be  partakers  of  this 


SACRAMENT  OF  BAPTISM.  61 

Thy  great  mercy,  in  the  fellowship  of  faith,  it  may  please  Thee 
to  sanctify  with  Thy  Spirit  and  to  receive  into  the  number  ot 
Thy  children,  this  infant,  whom  vre  shall  baptize  according  to 
Thy  Word  :  That  he,  coming  to  perfectage,  may  confess  Thee 
the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent ;  and 
may  so  serve  Him,  and  be  profitable  unto  His  Church,  in  the 
whole  course  of  his  life,  that  this  life  ended  he  may  be  brought, 
as  a  lively  member  of  His  body,  unto  the  fall  fruition  of  Thy 
joys  in  the  heavens  :  where  Thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Christ,  reign- 
eth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  -without  end.  And 
in  His  name  we  pray,  as  He  hath  taught  lis,  sayiug : 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

When  (key  have  frwyed  in  this  sort,  fke  Mitdsio'  it  to  exhort  the  parents  to  the  care- 
ful perforTTumce  of  their  duty :  requiring, 

You  promise  that  you  will  tea<;h  this  child  to  read  the  word 
of  God:;  that  you  will  instruct  him  in  the  principles  of  our 
holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament ;  that  you  will  teach  him  to  repeat  the  Cate- 
chism, the  Apostles'  Creed,  and  the  Lord's  Prayer ;  that  you 
will  pray  with  and  for  this  child ;  that  jou  will  set  an  example 
of  pietj  and  godhness  before  him,  and  endeavour,  by  all  the 
means  of  God's  appointment^  to  bring  him  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

These  promises  leinff  node,  the  Aild  sbaH  be  named,  and  ihe  Minister  caMing  him  by 
A»  name,  shaM  say, 

I  baptize  thee,  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost 

As  he  pronounces  ffieae  vords,  fte  is  to  baptize  the  dtUd  triSft  water,  5j/  pouring  or 
^>rinkling  it  on  the  face  cf  the  child  with<aU  adding  any  other  ctremcny :  and  ^ 
iohoh  sJioM  he  condiuied  with  prayer. 

Thanksgiving. 

We  lift  up  our  eyes  unto  Thee,  Most  Holy  and  Merciful 
Father !  Who  not  only  dost  bless  us  -s\dth  the  common  benefits 
bestowed  upon  mankind,  but  also  dost  lavish  the  precious 
and  wonderful  gifts  of  Thy  Gospel  upon  us:  and  we  give 
Thee  most  humble  thanks  "^ for  Thine  infinite  goodness:  that 
Thou  hast  numbered  us  among  Thy  Saints,  and  of  Thy  free 


62  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

grace  called  our  cliildren  unto  Thee ;  marking  them  "with 
this  Sacrament,  as  a  singular  token  and  badge  of  Thy  love. 
Wherefore,  most  loving  Father!  though  we  deserve  not  so 
great  a  benefit,  we  beseech  Thee  for  Christ's  sake  to  confirm 
Thy  favour  more  and  more  towards  us :  and  take  into  Thy 
tuition  and  defence,  this  child  whom  we  offer  and  present  unto 
Thee  with  our  common  supphcations.  Suffer  him  never  to 
fall  into  ingratitude,  and  to  lose  the  force  of  Baptism;  but 
may  he  perceive  Thee  continually  to  be  his  Merciful  Father, 
through  Thine  Holy  Spirit  working  in  his  heart ;  by  whose 
divine  power  he  may  so  prevail  against  Satan,  that  in  the  end 
obtaining  the  victory,  he  may  be  exalted  into  the  liberty  of 
Thy  Kingdom.     Amen.  K>-oi. 

m. 

Address. 

Baptism  is  an  holy  Sacrament  instituted  by  Christ :  in  which 
a  person  professing  the  Christian  Faith,  or  the  infant  of  such, 
is  baptized  with  water  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  in  signification  and  solemnization 
of  the  holy  covenant  in  which  as  a  believer,  or  the  seed  of  be- 
lievers, he  giveth  up  himself,  or  is  by  the  parent  given  up,  to 
God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost :  to  believe  in,  love, 
and  fear  this  blessed  Trinity,  against  the  flesh,  the  de%'il,  and 
the  world.  Thus  he  is  solemnly  entered  a  visible  member  of 
Christ  and  His  Church,  a  child  of  God,  and  an  heir  of  heaven. 
How  great  now  is  this  mercy,  and  how  great  the  duty  that  is 
before  you !  Is  it  a  small  mercy  for  this  child  to  be  accepted 
into  the  covenant  of  God,  and  washed  from  his  original  sin  in 
the  blood  of  Christ — which  is  signified  and  sealed  by  this 
sacramental  washing  in  water : — to  be  accepted  as  a  member  of 
Christ  and  of  His  Church,  where  He  vouchsafes  His  protec- 
tion and  provision,  and  the  means  and  Spirit  of  grace,  and  the 
renewed  pardon  of  sin  upon  repentance  ?  The  duty  on  your 
part  is,  first  to  see  that  you  are  stedfast  in  the  faith  and  cove- 
nant of  Christ :  that  you  perish  not  yourself;  that  your  child  is 
indeed  the  child  of  a  believer :  And  then  you  are  believingly 
and  thankfully  to  dedicate  your  child  to  God,  and  to  enter  him 
into  the  covenant  in  which  you  stand.  And  you  must  know 
that  your  faith,  and  consent,  and  dedication,  will  suffice  for 
your  children  no  longer  than  until  they  come  to  age  them- 
selves :  and  then  they  must  own  their  baptismal  covenant,  and 
personally  renew  it,  and  consent  and  give  themselves  up  to 
God  or  else  they  will  not  be  owned  by  Christ.  You  must 
therefore  acquaint  them  with  the  doctrine  of  the  Gospel  as  they 


SACRAMENT   OF  BAPTISM,  (JS 

grow  up,  and  with  the  covenant  now  made :  and  bring  them 
up  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  And  when  they  are  actually  peni- 
tent believers,  they  must  present  themselves  to  the  Pastors  of 
the  Church,  to  be  approved  and  received  into  the  communion 
of  the  adult  believers. 

Tke  Minister  shall  here  say  to  the  Parent,  and  the  Parent  answer,  as  folbweth  : 

And  now  because  these  promises  are  made  only  to  the  faith- 
ful and  to  their  seed,  and  because  no  man  can  sincerely  dedi- 
cate his  child  to  that  God  in  whom  he  believeth  not  himself : 
I  therefore  require  you  to  make  profession  of  your  own  faith. 

Do  you  believe 'in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
heaven  and  earth :  And  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord ; 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and 
buried ;  He  descended  into  hell ;  the  third  day  He  rose  again 
from  the  dead ;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  an^  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He  shall 
eome  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  ? 

Do  you  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church,  the  Communion  of  Saints;  the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  the 
resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  life  everlasting  ? 

Answer:  All  this  I  unfeignedly  believe. 

Do  you  repent  of  your  sins,  and  renounce  the  flesh,  the  devil, 
and  the  world,  and  consent  to  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  giving 
up  yourself  to  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  as  your 
Creator  and  reconciled  Father,  your  Redeemer  and  your  Sanc- 
tifier? 

Answer :  I  -do. 

Do  you  here  solemnly  promise,  that,  if  God  continue  this 
child  with  you  till  he  be  capable  of  instruction,  you  will  faith- 
fully endeavour  to  acquaint  him  with  the  covenant  in  which 
he  was  here  engaged  by  you,  and  to  instruct  and  exhort  him 
that  he  perform  this  covenant  as  he  looks  for  the  blessings 
upon  it,  or  to  escape  the  curses  and  wrath  of  God ;  that  he  re- 
nounce the  flesh,  the  world,  and  the  devil,  and  live  not  after 
them  ;  and  that  he  believe  in  this  one  God  in  three  Persons, 
the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  his  Creator,  Redeemer,  and 
Sanctifier ;  that  he  resign  himself  to  Him  as  his  absolute 
owner,  and  obey  Him  as  his  supreme  Governor,  and  love  Him 
as  his  most  gracious  Father,  hoping  to  enjoy  Him  as  his  felicity 
in  endless  glory  ? 

Answer :  I  will  faithfully  endeavour  it. 


64  PKECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

Will  you  to  this  end  faithfully  endeavour  to  cause  him  to 
learn  the  articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and 
the  Ten  Commandments  ;  and  to  read  and  hear  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  to  attend  on  the  .  public  Preaching  of  God's  Word  ? 
Will  you  endeavour  by  your  own  teaching,  and  example,  and 
restraint,  to  keep  him  from  wickedness,  and  train  him  up  in  a 
holy  life  ? 

Answer:  I  will  faithfully  endeavour  it,  by  the  help  of  God. 
Then  let  the  Minister  pray  thus : 

PRAYER. 

0  Most  Merciful  Father !  by  the  first  Adam  siu  entered  into 
the  world,  and  death  by  sin ;  and  we  are  all  by  nature  children 
of  wrath.  But  Thou  hast  given  Thy  only  Son  to  be  the  seed 
of  the  woman,  the  Saviour  of  the  world,  the  Captain  of  our  sal- 
vation ;  to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  Himself,  and  to 
wash  us  in  His  blood,  and  reconcile  us  unto  Thee,  and  to  re- 
new us  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  bruise  Satan  under  our  feet. 
In  Him  Thou  hast  established  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  and 
hast  appointed  this  holy  Sacrament  of  Baptism  for  our  solemn 
entrance  into  the  bonds  of  the  Covenant,  and  instating  us  in 
the  blessings  of  it,  which  Thou  extendest  to  the  faithful  and 
their  seed.  We  dedicate  and  ofier  this  child  to  Thee,  to  be 
received  into  Thy  Covenant  and  Thy  Church.  We  beseech 
Thee  to  accept  him  as  a  member  of  thy  Son,  and  wash  him  in 
His  blood  from  the  guilt  of  sin,  as  the  flesh  is  washed  by  this 
water.  Be  reconciled  to  him,  and  take  him  for  Thy  child. 
Eenew  him  in  the  image  of  Thy  Son  ;  make  him  a  fellow-citi- 
zen with  the  Saints,  and  of  Thy  household.     Protect  him  and 

Erovide  for  him  as  Thine  own,  and  finally  preserve  him  to  Thy 
eavenly  Kingdom:    Through  Jesus   Christ  our  Lord   and 
Saviour.     Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  sTtaU  ask  of  the  parent  the  name  of  the  child  to  be  laptized;  and 
naming  him,  siaM  say : 

1  baptize  thee,  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 

And  he  shaU  Aits  dedare  : 

This  child  is  now  received  by  Christ^s  appointment  into  His 
Church,  and  solemnly  entered  into  the  holy  Covenant ;  and 
engaged,  if  he  lives  to  the  use  of  reason,  to  rise  with  Christ  to 
newness  of  life,  being  buried  with  Him  by  Baptism ;  and  to 
bear  His  Cross,  and  confess  Christ  crucified,  and  manfully  to 


SACRAMENT  OF  BAPTISM 


65 


nght  under  His  banner  against  the  flesh,  the  devil  and  the 

lel^h'ath^rvT-^"./"^''^^  '""'''^  -^  -™'^    ' 
aeatn,  tnat  he  may  receive  the  crown  of  life. 

Tnen  he  shaM  give  thanks  andprai/.^ 

Thanksgiving. 

m  give  Thee  thanks,  Most  Merciful  Father!  that  when  we 
had  broken  Thy  law,  and  were  condemned  by  it,  Thou  diS 

t^Pnld  T?    p''''^^''   ^^^?t^^^^l   life   in  Him;    and  hast  ex- 
ended  Thy  Covenant  of  Grace  to  believers  and  to  their  seed 

ChJoT.  ""^"^  ^^<^t'^^^ V^f  '^^^  ^^^^  Thy  covenant  and  Thy 
Sn  W.  V^^'^l'V^  ^\''\^^  '^^  Sacrament  of  regenera^ 
tr.;  ^  ''''?^  ^^'''  ^'^  ^'"^  ^°^  ^P  i^  holiness',  and 
,1.  V  ^""^^  ^^  ^^"-'^  °^  discretion,  let  Thy  Spirit  reveal 
unto  him  the  mystenes  of  the  Gospel,  and  the^^riches  of  Thy 
love  m  Jesus  Christ :  and  cause  him  to  renew  and  perform  thl 

nhpd;^n.^T;'^'vV^'^  T^^"  his  Lord,  to  be  subject  and 
wkh?lThJ''.^i^°T^°^^"^^  to  love  Thee  his  Father, 
tTn  o  tI^  T'^'  f  t'^-^^'  ^^^  '^'^^'-  ^^y  ^e  ever  adhere 
TZ:^}  '-tf  ^^^'^^^  ^-^  T^^^'  ^  ^^«  P°^"°^  of  his  soul; 
desiring  and  hoping  to  enjoy  Thee  in  everlasting  glorv.     Save 

o  ^1^"^  ^-1  ^''f  "^^  ^ll^^e^ents  of  the  flesh  ;  the  temptations 
frn^  oil  T'  '^'  V^^^^^re  profit,  and  honour  of  the  world  ; 
So^nii   n/  ^^^^^Pt^^^V^f  l^is  own  heart,  and  all  the  hurtfu 
\ltT      i  ^'  ^°''-.  ^'^P   ^^"^   i^   communion   with   Thy 
saints,  in  the  love  and  use  of  Thy  Word  and  worship.     May 

rant?n^  IT^^  f  ^  "^^^  ^P  ^''  ^^^^^'  ^^^  f°"«^^'  Christ,  the 
Captain  of  his  salvation,  and  be  faithful  unto  the  death,  and 

v^our.''lmem      ''"'''''  °^  ^'^''  '^'°^°^'  '^^"^  ^^^^^  "^^  ^- 

Baxtxb. 

IV. 
Address. 

the^hOT^P^f  ."^^  '^'  .^°°'^°^  ^f  Solv  Baptism  are 
Ind  bo^     '       '^'  ^5'^^'  7^'^  ^^'^  children 'are  conceived 
r^^^.^V  ''°'  ^""^  therefore  are  children  of  wrath-  inso 
much  that  we  can  not  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of  God,  ^x^pt 
we  are  born  again :  which  is  signified  bv  the  applicat'o^of 

unto^^.  ?h;  J'T''^^^'  Solv  Baptism  witnesseth  and  sealeth 
For  ^vl.pn  ^^'1°  ^-"^'I  ^^  °^'  ^i°^  t^^o'^?^  Jesus  Christ, 
the  F^h^  ^^  ^reU^t^e^  in  the  Xame  of  the  Father:  God 
the  Father  sealeth  unto  us  that  He  doth  make   an  eternal 


(,Q  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

Covenant  of  Grace  .ith  us    and  adopt    us  for  His^cMdre. 

^^^.:>"s?d.tro.t:rer.r^^^^ 

the  Name  of  the  Holy  ^^^^^ ',  ^"^"^  i^^.^r:.  '^^  ,ve  have  in 
that  He  will  dwell  in  us,  and  apply  that  ^^  ^1^  ^the  daily 
Christ,  namely,  the  washmg  ^^^'^y.f.^^'b.^^'.'esented  without 
renewing  of  our  lives,  till  we  ^^^J^  .^^.f  {.^^^  SernTl      Thirdly, 

generations,  for  an  everlasting  covenant .  *»  ^^  ^  ^f^    ,^, 

cation  of  His  Church  :  let  us  call  upon  His  holy  name. 

Prayer. 

0  Almightv  and  Eternal  God,  ^-e  beseech  Thee  that  Thou 
wUt  be  plfased  of  Thine  infinite  »e^ey  grac.onsly  to  kok  upon 
these  children  ;  and  incorporate  them  bv  Thy  Holy  bpmt  mw 


SACRAMEXT  OF  BAPTISM.  QJ 

§mmm 

An  Exhortation, 
To  the  Parents,  and  those  who  come  with  them  to  Baptism 

questions  '  ^''''  ^""^  ^"^  ^°'^^'"  sincerely  to  these 

tained°?n  Thf  ni^°"  acknowledge  the  doctrine  which  is  cod- 
oT^heChrstLfif'^   I<ew  Testament,  and  in  the  articles 

.an  Church  to L  .?»'»"         a"^  "  ?''"''"  ^"'  *°  "^'^  C'""^'" 
ThirX  no  v^  "'  ''"'^  complete  doctrine  of  salvation? 

^hen  come  to  J^^T;''  ™!^  '""="''  *°  ^^^  *^=«  '=WHren, 
k.  fL^S        ?   j^°'^.'^"""'°°'  instructed  and  brouc^ht  up 

straoted  therein,  to  the  utmost  of  your  power? 

Answer.    Yes. 

Thm  tht  Mmiikr  0/  God's  Word,  in  laftmns.  «»««  »y  .• 

So^-aL':Ft  S:'i  ^,S^  "iren°'  "-^  ^''*"'  ''"^  "^  '^^ 

Thtetlt'^ho,'?^'".'^  *^"°'f"i  '^^"'"'  ^'^  ""'"k  and  praise 
iiiee  that  Thou  hast  promised  to  forgive  us  and  our  ch  Idren 
all  our  sins,  through  the  blood  of  Thy  beloved  Son  JesS 

•  My  chUdrei,,  Ezek.  ivi.  21.     Thty  are  holy,  \  Cor.  rii.  14. 


gg  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICiE. 

praise  Thee  tbat  inou  ""^  ^    Usetch  Thee,  through 

^^es  unto  us  by  Holy  Baptism      vv  ^^    ^^^^^^ 

Ghost,  the  one  only  true  God.    ^°^eii^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^ 


THE  FORM 

OF 

Administering  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism 

TO     ADULT     PERSONS. 


After  repeating  the  first  four  paragraphs  of  the  preceding  ojice,  the  Minister  proceeds 
thus: 

However  children  of  Christian  parents,  although  they  un- 
derstand not  this  mystery,  must  be  baptized,  by  virtue  of  the 
Covenant :  yet  it  is  not  lawful  to  baptize  those  who  are  come 
to  years  of  discretion,  except  they  first  be  sensible  of  their 
sins,  and  make  confession  both  of  their  repentance  and  their 
faith  in  Christ,  For  this  cause  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  com- 
manded His  disciples  to  teach  all  nations,  and  then  to  baptize 
them,  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  adding  this  promise.  He  that  belie veth  and  is 
baptized  shall  be  saved.  Accordingly,  the  Apostles  baptized 
none  who  were  of  years  of  discretion,  but  such  as  made  con- 
fession of  their  faith  and  repentance.  Therefore  it  is  not  law- 
ful now  to  baptize  any  adult  persons,  but  those  who  have  been 
taught  the  mysteries  of  Holy  Baptism,  and  are  able  to  give  an 
account  of  their  faith  by  the  confession  of  the  mouth. 

Since  then  you,  N.,  are  desirous  of  this  holy  sacrament,  as  a 
seal  of  your  engrafting  into  the  Church  of  God  ;  that  it  may 
appear  that  you  do  not  only  receive  the  Christian  Keligion  of 
which  you  now  make  confession,  but  do,  through  the  grace  of 
God,  intend  and  purpose  to  lead  a  life  according  to  the  same ; 
you  are  sincerely  to  give  answer  before  God  and  His  Church : 

First  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  only  true  God,  distinct  in 
three  Persons,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  Who  hath  made 


70  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

heaven  and  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  of  nothing,  and  still 
maintains  and  governs  them,  insomuch  that  nothing  comes  to 
pass,  either  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  without  His  divine  will  ? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Secondly.  Dost  thou  acknowledge  that  thou  art  conceived 
and  born  in  sin,  and  therefore  art  a  child  of  wrath,  bj  nature 
wholly  incapable  of  doing  any  good,  and  prone  to  all  evil ; 
and  that  thou  hast  frequently,  both  in  thought,  word,  and 
deed,  transgressed  the  commandments  of  the  Lord;  and  art 
thou  heartily  sorry  for  these  sins  ? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  believe  that  Christ,  Who  is  the  true  and 
eternal  God,  and  very  Man,  is  given  thee  of  God  to  be  thy 
Saviour  ;  and  that  thou  dost  receive  by  this  faith  remission  of 
sins  in  His  blood ;  and  that  thou  art  made  by  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  a  member  of  Jesus  Christ  and  of  His  Church  ? 

Atiswer,  Yes. 

Fourthly.  Dost  thou  assent  to  all  the  articles  of  the  Christian 
Relioion,  as  thev  are  here  taught  in  this  Christian  Church,  ac- 
cording to  the  Word  of  God ;  and  purpose  stedfastly  to  con- 
tinue in  the  same  to  the  end  of  thy  life ;  and  also  dost  thou  re- 
ject all  heresies  and  schisms,  repugnant  to  this  doctrine ;  a,nd 
promise  to  persevere  in  the  communion  of  our  Christian 
Church,  not  only  in  the  hearing  of  the  Word,  but  also  in  the 
use  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Hast  thou  taken  a  firm  resolution  always  to  lead  a  Christian 
life ;  to  forsake  the  world  and  its  evil  lusts,  as  is  becoming  the 
members  of  Christ  and  of  His  Church  ;  and  to  submit  thyself 
to  all  Christian  admonitions? 

Answer,  Yes. 

The  good  and  gracious  God  mercifully  grant  His  grace  and 
blessing  to  this  your  purpose,  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Then  the  Mvnister  of  God's  Word,  in  baptizing,  shall  say  : 

N.,  I  t)aptize  thee  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 


THE   FORM 

FOR 

The  Admission  of  Baptized   Persons 

TO 

THE  TABLE  OF  THE  LORD. 


"  Children  born  within-  the  pale  of  the  visible  Church,  and 
dedicated  to  God  in  Baptism,  are  under  the  inspection  and 
government  of  the  Church ;  and  are  to  be  taught  to  read  and 
repeat  the  Catechism,  the  Apostles'  Creed,  and  the  Lord^s 
Prayer.  They  are  to  be  taught  to  pray,  to  abhor  sin,  to  fear 
God,  and  to  obey  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  And  when  they  come 
to  years  of  discretion,  if  they  be  free  from  scandal,  appear 
sober  and  steady,  and  to  have  sufficient  knowledge  to  discern 
the  Lord's  Body,  they  ought  to  be  informed  it  is  their  duty  and 
their  privilege  to  come  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 

"  The  years  of  discretion  in  young  Christians  can  not  be 
precisely  fixed.  This  must  be  left  to  the  prudence  of  the  El- 
dership. The  officers  of  the  Church  are  the  judges  of  the  qua!-, 
ifications  of  those  to  be  admitted  to  sealing  ordinances ;  and 
of  the  time  when  it  is  proper  to  admit  young  Christians  to 
them. 

"  Those  who  are  to  be  admitted  to  sealing  ordinances,  shall 
be  examined  as  to  their  knowledge  and  piety." 

Directory  fob  Worship,  c.  ix. 


72  PRECE3  ECCLESIASTICS. 

[The  follo-vring  mode  of  Admission,  taken  from  Formularie3  of  Presbvteriac 
Criurches.  is  used  by  them  in  connection  with  the  Serrice  preparatoiy  to  the  cele- 
bration  of  the  Lords  Supper.] 

Invocation. 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  hearen  and 
earth.     Amen. 

Preface. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  that  made  thee,  and  formed  thee  from 
the  womb,  which  will  help  thee,  Fear  not,  O  Jacob,  mr  ser- 
vant, and  thou  Jeshurun,  whom  I  have  chosen.  For  I  will 
pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty,  and  floods  upon  the  dry 
ground :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing 
upon  thine  offspring ;  and  they  shall  spring  up  as  among  the 
grass,  as  willows  by  the  water-courses.  One  shall  say,  I  am 
the  Lord's  ;  and  another  shall  subscribe  himself  with  his  hand 
unto  the  Lord,  and  surname  himself  by  the  name  of  Israel. 

Address  to  the  Congregation. 

Brethren,  we  are  here  met  for  the  admission  of  these  young 
persons,  who  have  been  examined  as  to  their  knowledge  and 
piety,  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord,  They  will  publicly  ratify  in 
your  hearing  the  engagements  of  their  Baptism,  and  be  re- 
ceived to  the  full  participation  of  the  benefits  of  the  Covenant 
of  Grace. 

This  occasion  is  one  of  solemn  interest  for  each  of  them : 
and  such  also  let  it  be  for  each  of  you.  Let  your  thoughts 
revert  to  the  vows  that  you  have  taken,  and  the  privileges 
that  you  have  obtained,  in  the  communion  and  fellowship  of 
Christ  and  of  His  Body  the  Church.  To  this  end  let  us  with 
one  accord  seek  the  blessing  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Prayer. 

Almighty  and  most  Merciful  God  I  "We  give  Thee  hearty 
thanks,  that  Thou  hast  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of  Thyself, 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord ;  and  hast  vouchsafed  to  make  us 
partakers  of  the  great  and  precious  promises  of  Thy  holy  Word. 
We  praise  Thee  for  the  certain  assurance,  that  these  promises 
are  unto  us,  and  to  our  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
even  as  many  as  Thy  grace  shall  call.  0  Merciful  God.  we 
have  believed  the  witness  of  Thy  Word.  We  have  dedicated 
these  children  from  their  infancy  to  Thee.  We  have  sought 
for  them  admission  to  Thy  Church  by  Holy  Baptism.     We 


ADMISSION  OF  BAPTIZED   PEESONS.  73 

have  taught  them  Thy  saving  Truth ;  and  now  that  they  have 
reached  years  of  discretion,  we  come  with  them,  to  witness 
their  willing  renewal  of  the  sacred  vows  that  bind  them  to  Thy 
Covenant.  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  help  them  at  this  solemn 
hour.  AVork  in  them  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  Thy  good 
pleasure.  Make  them  sincere  in  repentance,  strong  in  faith, 
stedfast  in  hope,  and  fervent  in  charity.  Keceive  them  into 
the  communion  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  and  enable 
them  to  persevere  unto  the  end,  by  the  grace  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit.     Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  addressing  the  Candidates  says:- 

You  that  desire  to  be  admitted  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord, 
are  you  so  fully  persuaded  of  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  in 
which  you  have  been  taught,  that  you  are  ready  to  suffer  all 
things,  sooner  than  renounce  the  profession  you  now  make  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 

Have  you  examined  your  own  hearts,  and  are  you  deter- 
mined to  forsake  sin,  and  to  order  your  lives  in  obedience  to 
God's  law  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 

Do  you  promise  that,  for  the  strengthening  of  your  faith  and 
piet}*,  you  will  give  yourselves  to  the  careful  study  and  medi- 
tation of  the  Word  of  God,  and  to  prayer  ;  to  a  regular  attend- 
ance upon  the  assemblies  of  His  People  ;  and  to  all  other 
means  that  Providence  shall  furnish,  for  the  advancement  of 
your  salvation  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 

Do  you  then  sincerely  and  with  your  whole  hearts  confirm 
and  ratify  the  vows  of  your  Baptism," that  bind  you  to  renounce 
the  world  with  all  its  vanities,  to  resist  your  evil  passions,  to 
consecrate  yourselves  to  God,  your  Father,  Saviour,  and  Sanc- 
tifier ;  and  to  live  in  temperance,  righteousness,  and  holiness  all 
your  days  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 


Then  the  Minister  says : 

In  view  of  these  your  promises,  I  admit  you  to  the  Table  of 
the  Supper  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  you  may  enjoy  all 
the  privileges  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace. 


74  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

May  you  be  deeply  sensible  of  the  importance  and  tke  so- 
lemnity of  the  engagement  that  you  have  now  entered  upon, 
and  retain  the  impression  of  it  throughout  your  lives.  Re- 
member that  it  is  to  God,  your  Maker,  your  Redeemer,  and 
your  Judge,  that  these  promises  have  been  made ;  and  that 
upon  the  care  you  take  to  fulfil  them,  will  depend  your  eternal 
blessedness.  Walk  worthily,  then,  of  your  high  vocation. 
Let  the  light  of  your  good  works  shine  before  men.  Labour 
to  perfect  holiness,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  Seek  daily  the 
strength  of  God.  Nourish  your  souls  with  His  "Word.  Be 
watchful  unto  prayer.  Flee  youthful  snares,  that  would  lead 
you  away  from  Him. 

Thus  devoting  yourselves  to  God  from  youth,  you  will  be  so 
accustomed  to  His  service,  that  His  yoke  will  seem  to  you  easy, 
and  His  burthen  light,  and  your  joy  will  be  found  in  doing 
His  blessed  will.  God  on  His  part  will  bless  you ;  He  will 
give  you  His  peace,  that  passeth  all  understanding.  The  eye 
of  the  Lord  will  be  upon  you,  and  His  ear  will  be  open  to  your 
prayers ;  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  will  cleanse  you  from  all 
sin.  Be  fearful  of  nothing ;  because  greater  is  He  that  is  in 
you,  than  he  that  is  in  the  world.  His  strength  will  be  made 
perfect  in  your  weakness ;  you  will  be  able  to  do  all  things 
through  Christ  who  strengtheneth  you.  In  the  hour  of  death, 
you  will  be  sustained  by  the  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection,  and 
having  here  below  your  fruit  unto  holiness,  you  shall  have  the 
end  everlasting  life. 

Then  the  Minister  addressing  the  whole  congregation  says : 

And  you.  Brethren,  who  now  witness  the  entrance  of  these 
baptized  persons  upon  a  connection  yet  more  close  and  inti- 
^mate  with  yourselves,  let  your  affection  for  them,  and  your 
'earnest  solicitude  for  their  welfare,  be  henceforth  redoubled. 
And  let  us  all  with  one  accord,  as  members  of  one  Body,  unite 
in  fervent  prayer,  that  God  may  pour  down  His  grace  upon  us, 
and  guide  by  His  Holy  Spirit  into  His  perfect  way. 

Prayer, 
The  Candidates  kneeling. 

0  Lord  our  God,  who  hast  chosen  to  Thyself  a  Church  on 
earth,  and  who  hast  promised  to  preserve  it  unto  the  end  of 
the  world,  and  finally  raise  it  unto  Thy  glory :  Look  down  in 
Thy  goodness  upon  these  baptized  persons  now  prostrate  before 
Thee,  who  have  been  solemnly  admitted  to  the  full  communion 
and  fellowship  of  Thy  Church.  Thou  hadst  already  called 
them,  by  the  promises "^of  Thy  Covenant,  which  are  made  unto 


ADMISSION   OF   BAPTIZED   PERSONS.  75 

US  and  unto  our  children;  and  granted  them  the  seal  of  this 
privilege  of  Christian  birth,  in  the  ordinance  of  Baptism.  But 
since  the  weakness  of  their  infancy  prevented  the  personal 
and  voluntary  dedication  of  themselves,  thev  come  now  to  con- 
firm the  vows  of  obedience  that  were  taken  for  them,  to  conse- 
crate themselves  entirely  to  Thy  service,  and  to  beseech  Thee 
that  Thou  wilt  graciously  regard  them  as  Thy  children.  They 
have  been  taught,  0  God,  to  know  Thee,  their  Father,  Saviour, 
and  Sanctifier.  They  are  persuaded  that  there  is  salvation  in 
none  other,  and  they  desire  to  have  part  in  the  benefits  of  the 
sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  His  efficacious  intercession.  Accept,  0 
Lord,  these  purposes  of  their  hearts,  and  receive  them  into  the 
communion  of  Thy  Son.  Mav  they  love  Thy  truth,  and  ever 
seek  to  know  it  more  thoroughly,  and  to  profess  it  more  con- 
sistently, unto  the  end  of  their  lives.  May  they  withstand 
all  evil,  renounce  the  world,  its  vanities  and  delusions,  and 
live  as  the  heirs  and  citizens  of  heaven.  May  the  Sacrament 
of  which  they  shall  partake  be  accompanied  with  a  fresh  out- 
pouring of  Thy  grace  upon  them.  Take  possession  of  their 
hearts  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and  at  last  receive  them  with  us 
into  Thy  heavenly  habitations,  through  our  Great  Eedeemer 
and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  etc. 

Benediction, 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  amongst  you  and  remain  with  you  always. 
Amen.  WiXDEysiAK  Litckgt. 


THE     OFFICE 

FOR 

The  Confirmation  of  Marriage. 


Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth.     Amen. 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren,  we  are  here  gathered  together  in 
the  sight  of  God,  and  in  the  face  of  His  Congregation,  to  join 
together  these  persons  in  the  honourable  estate  of  Matrimony  : 
which  was  instituted  and  authorized  by  God  Himself  in  Para- 
dise, Man  being  then  in  the  state  of  innocency.  For  what 
time  God  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and 
had  created  and  fashioned  Man  also  in  His  own  similitude 
and  likeness,  He  said.  It  is  not  good  that  the  Man  should  be 
alone  ;  I  will  make  him  an  help  meet  for  him.  And  the  Lord 
God  caused  a  deep  sleep  to  fall  upon  Adam,  and  He  took  one 
of  his  ribs,  and  framed  Eve  thereof :  giving  us  thereby  to  un- 
derstand, that  they  two  are  one  body,  one  flesh,  and  one 
blood.  For  the  which  cause  a  man  leaveth  father  and  mother, 
and  cleaveth  to  his  wife ;  whom  he  ought  to  love,  as  our 
Saviour  loveth  the  Church,  for  the  which  He  gave  His  life. 
Likewise  also  it  is  the  wife's  duty,  to  study  to  please  and  obey 
her  husband,  serving  him  in  all  things  that  be  godly  and  ho- 
nest :  for  she  is  under  the  governance  of  her  husband,  so  long 
as  they  continue  both  alive. 

Here  the  Minister  epeakeih  to  the  parties  that  shafl  he  married,  in  this  wise : 

I  require  and  charge  you,  as  ye  will  answer  at  the  day  of 
judgment,  when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall  be  disclosed. 


CONFIRMATION  OF   MAEBIAGE.  77 

that  if  either  of  you  do  know  any  impediment,  why  ye  may 
not  lawfully  be  joined  together  in  matrimony,  ye  confess  it. 
For  >be  ye  well  assured,  that  so  many  as  be  joined  otherwise 
than  God's  Word  doth  allow,  are  not  joined  together  by  God, 
neither  is  their  matrimony  lawful. 

If  no  impediment  be  by  them  declared,  then  the  Minister  saith  to  the  whole  Con- 
gregation : 

I  take  you  to  witness  that  be  here  present,  beseeching  you 
all  to  have  good  remembrance  thereof:  and  moreover,  if  there 
be  any  of  you  which  knoweth  that  either  of  these  parties  be 
contracted  to  any  other,  or  knoweth  any  other  lawful  impedi- 
ment, let  them  now  make  declaration  thereof. 

If  no  cause  be  alleged,  the  Minister  proceedeth,  saying: 

Forasmuch  as  no  man  speaketh  against  this  thing.  Our  Lord 
confirm  jonr  good  purpose  which  He  hath  given  you :  and 
your  beginning  be  m  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  which  made 
heaven  and  earth. 

You,  M.,  do  here  acknowledge  before  God,  and  His  holy 
Congregation,  that  you  have  taken  and  do  take  N.,  here  pre- 
sent, for  your  lawful  wife  :  you  do  promise  to  keep  her,  to  love 
her  and  maintain  her,  faithfully,  as  a  true  and  faithful  hus- 
band is  bound  to  do  ;  and  forsaking  all  other,  to  live  holily 
with  her,  keeping  faith  and  truth  in  all  things,  according  as 
the  Word  of  God  and  His  holy  Gospel  doth  appoint  ? 

Answer:  Even  so  I  take  her,  before  God,  and  in  the  pre- 
sence of  this  Congregation. 

Then  the  Minister  to  the  Spouse  also  saith : 

You,  N.,  do  here  acknowledge  before  God  and  His  holy 
Congregation,  that  you  have  taken  and  do  take  M.,  here  pre- 
sent, for  your  lawful  husband  :  you  do  promise  to  obey  him, 
to  love  him,  faithfully,  as  a  true  and  faithful  wife  is  bound  to 
do  ;  and  forsaking  all  other,  to  live  holily  with  him,  keeping 
faith  and  truth  in  all  things,  according  as  the  Word  of  God 
and  His  holy  Gospel  doth  appoint  ? 

Answer :  Even  so  I  take  him,  before  God,  and  in  the  pre- 
sence of  this  Congregation. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say : 

The  Father  of  all  Mercies,  who  of  His  grace  hath  called  you 
to  this  holy  state  of  Marriage,  bind  you  in  true  love  and  faith- 
fulness all  your  lives. 

Whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder. 


78  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

Let  us  all  witli  one  heart  call  upon  God. 

0  God,  Most  Mighty,  Gracious  and  Wise  !  since  it  hath 
pleased  Thee  to  call  these  persons  to  the  holy  state  of  Mar- 
riage :  Grant  them,  -we  beseech  Thee,  the  grace  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit :  that  with  true  and  firm  faith  they  may  live  holily 
together,  according  to  Thy  will,  to  the  edification  of  all  men, 
by  their  pure  and  honest  life.  Bless  them,  as  Thou  blessedst 
Thy  faithful  servants  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  :  that  they 
may  be  partakers  of  that  covenant  which  Thou  madest  with 
them.  Hear  us,  0  Father  of  all  Mercies !  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     In  whose  Name  we  also  pray,  saying, 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  and  keep  you :  The  Lord  make  His 
face  shine  upon  you,  and  be  gracious  unto  you  :  The  Lord 
lift  up  His  countenance  upon  you,  and  give  you  peace.  Amen. 

KUOX. 

n. 

God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us,  and  cause  His  face 
to  shine  upon  us,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

In  the  Name  of  Almighty  God,  I  demand  of  each  of  you 
here  present,  that  if  you  know  any  good  reason  why  these  per- 
sons   and ,  should  not  be  joined  in  Marriage,  ye 

do  now  declare   the  same,  as   ye  would  answer  before  the 
Searcher  of  hearts. 

God  created  Man  in  His  own  image,  and  said,  It  is  not 
good  that  man  should  be  alone  —  I  will  make  a  help  meet 
for  him.  He  brought  unto  the  man  the  woman  whom  He 
had  made.  And  Adam  said,  This  is  now  bone  of  my  bones, 
and  flesh  of  my  flesh.  Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  father  and 
mother,  and  cleave  unto  his  wife  :  and  they  twain  shall  be 
one  flesh. 

Marriage,  thus  ordained  of  God  in  Eden,  was  confirmed  at 
the  wedding  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  by  the  gracious  presence  and 
miraculous  blessing  of  our  divine  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  who  hath 
also  saidj  What  God  hath  joined  together  let  not  man  put 


CONFIRMATION   OF   MARRIAGE.  79 

asunder.  Moreover,  His  holy  Apostle  Paul  has  commended 
unto  the  husband  the  example  of  Christ  in  loving  His  Church, 
and  unto  the  wife  the  willing  subjection  of  the  Church  unto 
Christ  as  her  head.  Whence  we  learn  that  Marriage  is  well- 
pleasing  to  God  our  Saviour,  and  most  honourable  to  all  who 
maintain  therein  a  mutual  love  and  unshaken  fidelity. 

I  therefore,  a  minister  of  the  blessed  Gospel,  charge  and  en- 
treat you  both,  to  seek  the  help  of  God  in  all  your  duties ;  that 
His  grace  may  make  your  union  fruitful  of  comfort  in  this  life, 
and  a  furtherance  of  your  everlasting  salvation,  to  the  glory  of 
His  holy  Name. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Most  Holy  and  Most  Merciful  Lord  God,  we  beseech  Thee 
for  these  Thy  servant  and  handmaid ;  that  they  may,  with  a 
reverent  trust  in  Thee,  enter  into  the  covenant  of  marriage,  as 
they  now  propose,  and  truly  keep  all  the  vows  which  they  are 
about  to  make  according  to  Thy  Word.  Grant  this,  0  our 
Father,  with  the  forgiveness  of  our.  sins,  through  Christ  Thy 
Son.    Amen. 

TJien  the  Minister  sMU  lid  the  vmn  and  the  woman  to  join  their  right  hands:  which, 
being  done,  he  shaU  say  to  the  man  : 

Dost  thou ,  take  this  woman ,  before  God  and 

these  witnesses,  to  be  thy  wife  ? 

The  man  shall  answer,  Yes. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  love  her,  honour  her,  defend  her,  sus- 
tain and  cherish  her,  in  joy  and  in  sorrow,  in  health  and  in 
sickness,  in  prosperity  and  in  adversity  ?  Wilt  thou  be  faith- 
ful to  her  in  all  things  as  becometh  a  good  husband,  and  never 
forsake  her  so  long  as  ye  both  do  live  ? 

Answer :  Yes. 

The  Minister  shaU  then  say  to  the  woman : 

Dost  thou ,  take  this  man  ,  before  God  and 

these  witnesses,  to  be  thy  husband  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  love  him,  honour  him,  cherish  and 
obey  him,  in  joy  and  in  sorrow,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in 
prosperity  and  adversity  ?  Wilt  thou  be  faithful  to  him  in  all 
things  as  becometh  a  good  wife,  and  never  forsake  him  so  long 
as  ye  both  do  live  ? 

Answer:  Yes. 


80  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

[  When  a  ring  is  wei.] 
To  the  man : 

What  pledge  dost  thou  give  that  thou  wilt  perform  these 
thy  vows  ? 

The  man  shows  the  ring. 
To  the  woman  : 

Dost  thou  receive  this  ring  in  token  of  the  same  on  thy 
part? 

Then  the  man  (the  Minister  guiding  his  hand)  shaM  place  the  ring  on  the  fourth  fingtr 
of  her  kft  hand. 

Then  the  Minister-  fhall  say : 

Let  US  pray. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  Thou  hast  heard  these  promises 
of  Thy  servant  and  handmaid  to  each  other :  Mercifully  conde- 
scend to  unite  their  hearts  and  lives  by  all  the  grace  and  true 
affection  of  a  happy  marriage.  May  their  love  never  know 
change,  or  doubt,  or  decay.  Eeplenish  them  with  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  they  may  piously  live  together  according  to  Thy 
divine  will.  May  they  be  blessed  in  each  other,  and  both  in 
the  knowledge  of  Christ  Thy  Son,  and  may  they  at  last  enter 
Thy  blessed  Kingdom :  Though  Jesus  Christ  our  Eedeemer. 
Amen. 

Then  the  Minister,  taking  their  datped  hands  between  his,  shall  say : 

Now  in  the  Name  of  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
whose  servant  I  am,  I  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife. 

The  Lord  bless  you,  and  keep  you. 

The  Lord  make  His  face  shine  upon  you,  and  be  gracious 
imto  you. 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  you^  and  give  you 
peace. 

Then,  stUl  holding  their  hands,  the  Minister  shall  say  to  the  company  of  witnesses : 

What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder. 


THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 


THE    SER\^ICE   AT    THE    HOUSE. 

Prefaces, 
On«  or  more  of  which  may  be  read  at  discretion. 

It  is  better  to  go  to  the  house  of  mourning  than  to  go  to  the 
house  of  feasting  ;  for  that  is  the  end  of  all  men,  and  the  living 
will  lay  it  to  heart 

Let  us  weep  with  those  that  weep  ]  and  let  our  prayer  also 
be  in  their  calamities. 

Affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust^  neither  doth  trouble 
spring  out  of  the  ground.  See  now,  saith  the  Lord,  I,  even  I 
am  He,  and  there  is  no  God  beside  Me.  I  kill,  and  I  make 
alive ;  I  wound,  and  I  heall  neither  is  there  any  that  can  de- 
liver out  of  My  hand. 

The  Lord  destroyeth  the  hope  of  man.  The  Lord  prevaileth 
against  him,  and  he  passeth.  He  changeth  his  countenance, 
and  sendeth  him  away. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed ;  be- 
cause His  compassions  fail  not.  Like  as  a  iather  pitieth  his 
children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him.  For  He 
knoweth  our  frame ;  He  remembereth  that  we  are  dust. 

Though  He  cause  grief,  yet  will  He  have  compassion  accord- 
ing to  the  multitude  of  His  mercies.  For  He  doth  not  afflict 
willingly  the  children  of  men. 

Despise  not  the  chastening  of  the  Lord,  neither  faint  when 
6 


82  PEECES   ECCLESIASTIC.E. 

thou  art  rebuked  of  Him:  for  whom  the  Lord  loveth  He  chas- 
teneili,  and  scourgeth  every  sou  whom  He  receiveth.  Now 
no  chastening  for  the  present  seemeth  to-be  joyous  but  griev- 
ous ;  nevertheless  afterward  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness  unto  them  which  are  exercised  thereb3^  Where- 
fo're  lift  up  the  hands  that  hang  down,  and  the  feeble  knees. 

For  we  have  not  an  High  Priest  wdiich  can  not  be  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities;  but  was  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.  Let  us  therefore  come 
boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 
and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

Leave  thy  fatherless  children,  saith  the  Lord;  I  will  preserve 
them  alive  ;  and  let  thy  widows  trust  in  Me. 

A  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  Judge  of  the  widow,  is 
God  in  His  holy  habitation. 

When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me,  then  the  Lord 
will  take  me  up. 

{For  an  Infant:)  And  David  said,  While  the  child  was 
yet  alive,  I  fasted  and  wept,  for  I  said,  who  can  tell  whether 
God  will  be  gracious  unto  me,  that  the  child  may  live?  But 
now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  should  I  fast?  Can  I  bring  him 
back  again?  I  shall  go  to  him;  but  he  shall  not  return 
to  me. 

The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

■  A  bruised  reed  shall  He  not  break,  and  the  smoking  flax 
shall  He  not  quench. 

Prayer. 

0  God,  Merciful  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Wlio 
.hast  said,  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  com- 
forted: Under  the  shadow  of  Thy  judgments  we  come  to  Thee, 
and  acknowledge  Thee  to  be  tlie  Lord  alone.  Thou  hast  en- 
tered this  house'with  Thy  chastenings:  Oh  !  be  Thou  nigh  in 
Thy  tender  compassion  to  these  afflicted  ones.  Bless  Thy  sor- 
rowing servants  with  Thy  consolations,  which  are  neither  few 
nor  small.  Convert  them  wholly  to  Thyself,  and  fill  their 
bleeding  hearts  with  Thy  love.  Intake  the  night  of  their  grief 
to  be  light  by  Thy  grace.  Deliver  us  Thy  servants,  we  pray 
Thee,  from  the  bondage  of  our  sins,  that  we  may  be  free  from 
fear  of  death,  and  be  ready  at  Thy  coming.  Yea,  Lord  !  for 
Christ's  sake,  sanctify  us  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  whether  we 


BURIAL   OF  THE  DEAD.  S3 

live,  we  may  live  unto  the  Lord,  or  whether  we  die,  we  niay 
die  unto  the  Lord ;  whether  we  live  or  die,  may  we  be  the 
Lord's.     Amen. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and 
the  communion  of  the  Holv  Ghost,  be  with  vou  all.     Amen. 


THE    SERMCE   AT    THE    CHURCH. 

[If  the  service  be  performed  in  ichok  at  the  hou^e,  then  a  jiartof  the  following  may 
be  xtsed  in  connection  with  the  preceding  form.l 

Cpon  entering  the  church,  when  aU  sJwM  have  taken  the  attitude  of  prayer,  let  the  SCth 
Psalm  be  read  as  an 

Invocation. 

Lord,  Thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all  generations. 
Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  Thou  hadst 
formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting. Thou  art  God.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction':  and 
sayest,  Eeturu,  ye  children  of  men.  For  a  thousand  years  in 
Thy  sight  are  but  as  3'esterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as'^a  watch 
in  the  night.  .  Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a  flood ;  thev 
are  as  a  sleep  :  in  the  morning  they  are  like  grass  which  grow- 
eth  up.  In  the  morning  it  flourisheth  and  groweth  up ;  in  the 
evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth.  For  we  are  consumed 
by  Thine  auger,  and  by  Thy  wrath  are  we  troubled.  Thou 
hast  set  our  iniquities  before  Thee,  our  secret  sins  in  the  liizht 
of  Thy  countenance.  For  all  our  days  are  passed  away  in  Thy 
wrath  :  we  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  The  days  of 
our  years  are  three  score  3-ears  and  ten ;  and  if  by  reason  of 
strength  they  be  four  score  years,  yet  is  their  strength  laboui- 
and  sorrow;  for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  wc  fly  away.  Who 
knpweth  the  power  of  Thine  anger  ?  even  according  to  Thy 
fear,  so  is  Thy  wrath.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that 
Ave  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom,  Eeturn,  0  Lord  ! 
how  long?  and  let  it  repent  Thee  concerning  Thy  servants. 
Oh  satisfy  us  early  Avith  Thy  mercv ;  that  we  may  rejoice  and 
be  glad  all  our  days.  Make  us  glad  according 'to  the  davs 
wherein  Thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and  the  years  wherein  we  have 
seen  evil.  Let  Thy  work  appear  unto  Thy  servants,  and  Thv 
glory  unto  their  children.  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our 
God  be  upon  us:  and  establish  Thou  the  work  of  our  hands 
upon  us :  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish  Thou  it. 


84  PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

Here  may  he  sung  a  Funeral  Hymn. 

Then  let  there  he  read  two  portions  of  Scripture,  from  the  Gospel  and  the  EpisiUs. 
The  following  are  suitable  passages. 

Hear  the  comfortable  words  of  the  Gospel  of  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  as  they  are  written  in  the  eleventh  chapter  of 
Saint  John. 

Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if  Thou  hadst  been  here, 
my  brother  had  not  died.  But  I  know,  that  even  now,  what- 
soever Thou  wilt  ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  Thee.  Jesus 
saith  unto  her,  Thy  brother  shall  rise  again.  Martha  saith 
unto  Him,  I  know  that  he  shall  ri.se  again  in  the  Resurrection 
at  the  last  day.  Jesus  said  unto  her,  I  am  the  Resurrection,  and 
the  Life :  he  that  believeth  in  Me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet 
shall  he  live :  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  Me  shall 
never  die.  Believest  thou  this  ?  She  saith  unto  Him,  Yea, 
Lord  :  I  believe  that  Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  which 
should  come  into  the  world. 

Or  this  : 

Hear  the  Gospel  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  fifth 
chapter  of  Saint  John  : 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  He  that  heareth  My  word, 
and  believeth  on  Him  that  sent  Me,  hath  everlasting  life,  and 
shall"  not  come  into  condemnation  ;  but  is  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  The  hour  is  coming, 
and  now  is,  when  the  dead  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of 
God :  and  they  that  hear  shall  live.  For  as  the  Father  hath 
life  in  himself,  so  hath  He  given  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in 
Himself;  and  hath  given  Him  authority  to  execute  judgment 
also,  because  He  is  the  Son  of  Man.  Marvel  not  at  this :  for 
the  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall 
hear  His  voice,  and  shall  come  forth  ;  they  that  have  done  good, 
unto  the  Resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil, 
unto  the  Resurrection  of  damnation. 

[For  an  Infant] 

Hear  the  comfortable  words  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

They  brought  young  children  to  Him  that  5e  should  touch 
them;  and  His  disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought  them. 
But  when  Jesus  saw  it.  He  was  much  displeased,  and  said  unto 
them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  Me,  and  forbid 
them  not,  for  of  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  Verily  I 
say  unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein. 
Or  this: 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones ;  for  I 


BURIAL  OF  THE   DEAD.  85 

say  unto  you  That  in  heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold 
the  face  of  Mj  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  For  the  Son  of 
Alun  IS  come  to  save  that  which  was  lost.  How  think  ve  ''  if  a 
man  have  a  hundred  sheep,  and  one  of  them  be  gone  astrav 
doth  he  not  leave  the  ninety  and  nine,  and  goeth  into  the 
mountains,  and  seeketh  that  which  is  sone  astrav  "^  And  if  so 
be  that  he  find  it  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  rejoiceth  more  of 
that  sheep,  than  of  the  ninety  and  nine  which  went  not  astrav 
ii-ven  so  It  IS  not  the  will  of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven' 
that  one  of  these  little  ones  should  perish.  '" 

TV^/ore  tht  second  portion  of  Scripture,  may  U  read  one  or  more  of  these  ser.. 

By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  bv  sin 
and  so  death  hath  passed  upon  all  men,  because  that  all" have 
sinned. 

The  living  know  that  they  must  die  ;  for  there  is  one  event 
unto  all. 

They  that  trust  in  their  wealth,  and  boast  themselves  in  the 
multitude  of  their  riches,  none  of  them  can  by  any  means  re- 
deem his  brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ransom  for  him,  that  he 
should  live  for  ever,  and  not  see  corruption. 

^s  a  cloud  is  consumed  and  vanisheth  awav,  so  he  that 
goeth  down  to  the  grave  shall  return  no  more.  'He  shall  re- 
turn no  more  to  his  house,  neither  shall  his  place  know  him 
any  more.  His  days  are  ended,  his  purposes  are  broken  oS 
even  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 

TTien  let  the  second  poriioa  of  Scripture  be  read,  from  1  Corinthiatu  ZV.  : 

Hear  also  what  the  Apostle  Paul  saith  : 

Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first  fruits 
of  them  that  slept.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  Man 
came  also  the  Resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all 
die  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.  But  every  man 
m  his  own  order  :  Christ  the  first-fruits :  afterward  they  that 
are  Christ  s  at  His  coming.— But  some  man  will  sav.  How  are 
the  dead  raised  up  ?  and  with  what  bodv  do  thev  come  ?  Thou 
tool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quickened,  except  it  die  • 
and  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not  that  bodv  that 
shall  be,  but  bare  grain,  it  may  chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some 
other  gram  :  but  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  Him 
and  to  every  seed  his  own  body.-So  also  is  the  Resurrection 
ot  tbe  dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incorrup- 
tion  :  It  IS  sown  in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  glory  :  it  is  sown 
m  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power :  it  is  sown  a  natural  body 


86  PPwECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  There  is  a  natural  body,  and 
there  is  a  spiritual  body.  And  so  it  is  written,  The  first  man 
Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last  Adam  was  made  a 
quickening  spirit.  HowlDeit  that  was  not  first  which  is  spi- 
ritual, but  that  which  is  natural ;  and  afterward  that  which  ' 
is  spii'itual.  The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy  :  the  second 
Man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As  is  the  earthy,  such  are  they 
also  that  are  earthy ;  and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are  they 
also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have  borne  the  image  of 
th3  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly. 
Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and  blood  can  not  inherit 
the  Kingdom. .of  God;  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incor- 
ruption.  Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery  :  We  shall  not  all 
sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  moment,  in  the  twink- 
ling of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump  :  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound, 
and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be 
changed.  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and 
this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality.  So  when  this  corrupti- 
ble shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have 
put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying 
that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  0  death, 
where  is  thy  sting?  0 grave,  where  is  thy  victory?  The  sting 
of  death  is  sin,  and'the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But  thanks 
be  to  God  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Or  this,  from  Revelation  XX. : 

Hear  also  the  Eevelation  of  St,  J  ohn  : 

And  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and  Him  that  sat  on  it, 
from  whose  face  the  earth  and  the  heaven  fled  away;  and 
there  was  found  no  jDJace  for  them.  And  I  saw  the  dead, 
small  and  great,  stand  before  God ;  and  the  books  were 
opened  :  and  another  book  was  opened,  which  is  the  Book  of 
life  :  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things  which  were 
written  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works.  And  the  sea 
gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in  it ;  and  death  and  hell  de- 
livered up  the  dead  which  were  in  them :  and  they  were 
judged  every  man  according  to  their  works. 

Or  this,  from  Eevelation  XXI. : 

And  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth;  for  the  first 
heaven  and  the  first  earth  were  passed  away;  and  there  was 
no  more  sea.  And  I  John  saw  the  Holy  City,  New  Jerusa- 
lem, coming  down  from  God  out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a 
bride  adorned  for  her  husband.  And  I  heard  a  great  voice 
out  of  heaven,  saying,  Behold,  the  Tabernacle  of  God  is  with 
men,  and  He  will  dwell  with  them,  and  they  shall  be  His  Peo- 


BURIAL   OF  THE   DEAD.  87 

pie,  and  God  Himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God. 
And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes ;  and  there 
shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain  :  for  the  former  things  are  passed 
away. 

^  Prayer. 

0  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose  mercies  can 
not  be  numbered  :  Make  us,  we  beseech  Tliee,  deeply  sensi- 
ble of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life  ;  and  let 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  lead  us  through  this  vale  of  miser}'',  in  holi- 
ness and  righteousness,  all  the  days  of  our  lives :  that  when 
we  shall  have  served  Thee  in'  our  generation,  we  may  be 
gathered'unto  ovr  fathers^  having  the  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science ;  in  the  communion  of  the  Christian  Church  ;  in  the 
confidence  of  a  certain  faith  ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable', 
religious,  and  holy  hope.;  in  favour  with  Thee  our  God,  and  in 
perfect  charity  with  the  world:  all  which  we  ask  throug^i 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,     Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all. 
Amen. 


THE    SERVICE    AT    THE    GRAVE. 

Man  goeth  to  his  long  home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the 
streets. 

What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see  death? 
Shall  he  deliver  his  soul  from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ? 

I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  u-nto  me,  write :  Blessed 
are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth.  Yea, 
saith  the  Spirit,  for  they  rest  from  their  labours,  and  their 
works  do  follow  them. 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
which  according  to  His  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us 
again  unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  Eesurrection  of  Jesus  Christ 
from  the  dead,  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and 
that  fadeth  not  awa}^  reserved  in  heaven  for  you,  who  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

At  the  time  ofhwial,  (he  Minister,  shall  say  : 

The  dust  returns  to  dust,  and  the  spirit  unto  God  who  gave 
it  J   therefore  do  we  now  commit  the  body  of  our  departed 


88"  PEECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

brother  to  the  earth  [or  deep]  until  that  hour  when  earth  and 
sea  shall  give  up  their  dead,  at  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus- 
Christ  to  judge  the  world. 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God!  we  Thine  unworthy  ser~ 
vants  beseech  Thee  for  Christ's  sake  to  have  pity  upon  us. 
From  the  borders  of  the  grave  we  cry  unto  Thee  ;  for  Christ's 
sake  have  mercy  upon  us.  It  hath  pleased  Thee  to  call  out  of 
tills  world  the  soul  of  our  departed  friend,  whose  body  we 
have  now  brought  for  his  burial.  We  humbly  entreat  Thee 
that  we  may  with  true  penitence  of  heart  receive  the  warning 
of  Thy  pro-vidence,  and  consider  that  for  reason  of  our  guilt  it 
is  appointed  unto  us  to  die,  and  that  in  a  moment  when  we 
tliink  not  we  may  appear  before  Thee.  Yea,  Lord,  by  reason 
of  our  sins  we  lie  in  the  midst  of  death.  Spare  us,  0  Lord, 
6  most  pitiful  and  long-suffering  Lord  God,  sj3are  us  a  little 
longer,  that  we  may  take  refuge  in  Christ,  abiding  in  Him, 
that  when  He  shall  appear  we  may  have  confidence,  and  not 
be  ashamed  at  His  coming.  0  Merciful  God  and  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  suffer  none  of  us  to  live  without  godli- 
ness and  die  without  hope ;  but  constrain  us  mightily  by  Thy 
love:  that  we,  being  renewed  by  Thy  grace,  and  accepted 
through  Christ's  intercession,  may  walk  before  Thee  in  new- 
ness of  life,  and  praise  Thee  for  ever  among  the  Assembly  of 
the  Elect,  where  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  and  sorrow  and 
sighing  shall  flee  away  :  which  we  implore  for  the  sake  of 
Him  who  has  taught  us  to  say, 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is 
lieaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom^ and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 

Benedictwn. 

Now  the  God  of  Peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through 
^he  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in 
every  good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  ia 
well-pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


THE 

ORDER  OF  SERVICE 

FOR    A 

Day  of  Humiliatiorij  Fasting,  and  Prayer. 


Invocatioji. 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lgrd,  TYho  made  heaven  an^ 
earth.     Amen. 

Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  and  how  mvself 
before  the  high  God?  Shall  I  come  before  Him  with  burnt- 
ofiferings,  with  calves  of  a  year  old  ?  Will  the  Lord-be  pleased 
with  thousands  of  rams,  or  with  ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil  f 
Shall  I  give  raj  first-born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of  my 
body  for  the  sin  of  my  soul  ?  *He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man, 
what  is  good ;  and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 
do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thj 
God  ? 

S^e  Opming  Prayer. 

O  lord,  Thy  mercy  is  without  measure,  and  the  troth  of  Thy 
promise  abide th  for  ever.  Unworthy  ^Fe  we  that  Thoe 
shouldst  look  upon  us ;  but  Thou  bast  promised  to  shew  Thy 
compassion  toward  the  most  grievous  offenders,  wheusoevei 
they  repent ;  and  by  the  mouth  of  Thy  dear  Son  our  Lor4 


90  PRECES    ECCLESIASTICJE. 

Jesus  Christ,  to  give  TI13'  Holy  Spirit  unto  such  as  humbly 
call  upon  Thee.  In  boldness  of  this  promise,  we  most  humbly 
beseech  Thee,  0  Father  of  Mercies,  that  it  may  please  Thee  to 
work  in  our  stubborn  hearts  an  unfeigned  sorrow  for  our 
offences,  a  feeling  of  Thy  grace  and  mercy,  and  an  earnest 
desire  for  that  righteousness  in  which  we  are  bound  continu- 
ally to  walk.  But  because  neither  we  nor  our  prayers  can 
stand  before  Thee,  we  fly  to  the  obedience  and  perfect  right- 
eousness of  Jesus  Christ  our  only  Mediator:  in  whom,  and  by 
whom,  we  ask  of  Thee  not  only  the  remission  of  our  sins,  and 
.the  help  of  Thy  Spirit,  but  all  things  also  that  Thy  wisdora 
knoweth  to  be  expedient  for  us,  and  for  Thy  Church  Universal 
Amen.  Knox 

Here  may  he  sung  apenitsntial  Psalm. 

TTien  foVaws  the  Reading  of  Scri^-iture,  out  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 

The  folbwing  are  appropriate  selections  : 

laaiah  i.  10-2L  St.  Matthew  ill  1-12- 

Isaiah  Iviii.  Hebrews  iii. 

Jeremiah  viL  1-20,  St.  Matthew  xxi.  28-4G. 

Psalm  li.  St.  Luke  xiii.  23-35. 

Ezekiel  xviiL  20-32.  St.  Luke  xviii.  1-14. 

Daniel  ix.  1-19.  St.  Luke  xv.  11-32. 


Next  the 


FuENcn  Liturgy. 
General  Prayer, 
Beginning  with  the  Prayer  of  our  Lord. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

0  Almighty,  Most  Just  and  Merciful  God !  we  acknowledge 
ourselves  unworthy  to  lift  up  our  eyes  unto  heaven,  as  we  pre- 
sent ourselves  before  Thee.  For  our  consciences  accuse  us, 
and  our  sins  reprove  us ;  and  we  know  that  Thou  who  art  a 
righteous  Judge,  must  needs  punish  them  that  transgress  Thy 
iaw.  0  Lord!  when  we 'look  back  and  examine  our  whole 
iife,  we  find  nothing  in  ourselves  that  deserveth  any  other  re- 
ward than  eternal  condemnation.  But  since  Thou,  of  Thine 
unspeakable  mercy,  hast  commanded  us  in  all  our  necessities 
to  call  upon  Thee  ;  and  hast  also  promised  that  Thou  wilt  hear 
our  prayers,  not  for  any  merit  of  our  own,  for  we  have  none, 
but  for  the  merits  of  Thy  Son,  whom  Thou  hast  ordained  to 


DAY   OF    FASTING   AND   PRAYER.  91 

be  our  only  Mediator  and  Intercessor :  Therefore  we  lav  aside 
all  confidence  in  man,  and  flee  to  the  throne  of  Thy  mercy,  bj 
the  intercession  of  Thy  only  Son  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

O  Lord1  we  do  lament  and  bewail,  from  the  bottom  of  our 
hearts,  our  past  unthankfulness  towards  Thee.  We  remember 
that  besides  those  benefits  of  Thine  which  we  enjoy  in  common 
with  all  men  as  Thy  creatures,  Thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us 
many  special  blessings,  of  which  we  are  not  able  in  heart  to 
conceive  the  value,  much  less  in  words  worthily  to  express  it. 
Thou  hast  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of  Thy  Gospel.  Thou 
hast  released  us  from  the  hard  servitude  of  Satan.  Thou  hast 
delivered  us  from  all  idolatry,  wherein  we  were  sunken ;  and 
hast  brought  us  into  the  clear  and  comfortable  light  of  Thy 
blessed  Word,  But  we,  most  unmindful,  in  our  prosperity,  of 
these  Thy  great  benefits,  have  neglected  Thy  commandments, 
have  abused  the  knowledge  of  Thy  Gospel,  have  followed  our 
carnal  liberty,  have  served  our  own  lusts,  and  through  our  sin- 
ful lives  have  failed  suitably  to  serve  and  honour  Thee. 

And  now,  0  Lord!  we  do  most  humbly  confess  that  we 
have  sinned,  and  have  most  grievously  displeased  Thee.  And 
if  Thou,  Lord  !  provoked  wi'th  our  disobedience,  shouldst  now 
deal  with  us  as  we  have  deserved,  there  remaineth  nothing  to 
be  looked  for,  but  continual  plagues  in  this  world,  and  here- 
after eternal  death  and  condemnation,  both  of  body  and  of  soul. 
For  if  we  should  excuse  ourselves,  our  own  consciences  would 
accuse  us  before  Thee,  and  our  own  disobedience  and  wicked- 
ness would  bear  witness  against  us.  Yet,  although  Thou 
shouldst  punish  us  more  grievously  still ;  though  Thou  shouldst 
pour  upon  us  all  those  testimonies  of  Thy  just  wrath,  which  in 
time  past  Thou  pouredst  on  Thy  chosen  people,  Israel :  yet  could 
we  not  deny  that  we  had  justly  deserved  it.  , 

But,  O  merciful  Lord  !  Thou  art  our  God,  and  we  are  Thine 
inheritance ;  Thou  art  our  Creator,  and  we  the  work  of  Thy 
hands;  Thou  art  our  Shepherd,  we  Thy  flock  ;  Thou  art  our  Re- 
deemer, and  we  the  people  whom  Thou  hast  redeemed :  Thou 
art  our  Father,  we  are  Thy  children.  Lord !  be  not  wroth 
against  us;  punish  us  not  in  Thy  sore  displeasure. 

Remember, O  Lord!  that  Thy'Name  hath  been  named  upon 
us ;  that  we  bear  Thy  seal  and  the  tokens  of  Thy  service. 
Perfect  the  work  Thou  hast  begun  in  us ;  that  all  the  -world 
may  know  Thou  art  our  God  and  merciful  Deliverer.  Thou 
knowest  that  the  dead  who  are  in  their  graves  can  not  praise 
Thee  ;  but  the  sorrowful  spirit,  the  contrite  heart,  the  conscience 
broken  with  a  sense  of  sin,  and  panting  for  Thy  grace,  shall 
give   Thee   praise   and   glory.      Thy  people    Israel  ofttimes 


92  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICJE. 

offended  Thee,  and  Thou  didst  justly  afflict  them;  but  as  oft 
as  they  returned  to  Thee,  Thou  didst  receive  them  in  mercy  ; 
and  though  their  sins  were  never  so  great,  yet  didst  Thou  turn 
away  Thy  wrath,  and  the  punishment  prepared  for  them  :  and 
that  for  Thy  Covenant's  sake,  which  Thou  raadest  with  Thy 
servants  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob.  Thou  hast  made  a  bet- 
ter Covenant  with  us,  O  heavenly  Father  !  a  Covenant  on  which 
we  may  lean  as  we  appear  before  Thee  :  through  the  mediation 
of  Thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  with  whose  most 
precious  blood  it  pleased  Thee  that  this  covenant  should  be 
written,  sealed,  and  confirmed. 

Wherefore,  0  heavenly  Father !  we  now,  casting  away  all 
confidence  in  ourselves  or  any  other  creature,  do  flee  to  this 
most  holy  covenant  and  testament ;  wherein  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ,  once  offering  himself  a  sacrifice  for  us  on 
the  Cross,  hath  reconciled  us  to  Thee  for  ever.  Look,  there- 
fore, O  merciful  God  !  not  upon  the  sins  that  we  continually 
commit,  but  upon  our  Mediator  and  Peacemaker,  Jesus  Christ: 
that  by  His  intercession  Thy  wrath  may  be  pacified,  and  we 
again  by  Thy  fatherly  countenance  relieved  and  comforted. 
Eeceive  us  also  into  Thy  heavenly  defence,  and  govern  us  by 
Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Frame  in  us  newness  of  life,  wherein  to  laud 
and  magnify  Thy  blessed  Name  for  ever,  and  to  live  everv  one 
of  us  according  to  the  several  states  of  life  whereunto  Thou 
hast  ordained  us. 

And,  O  heavenly  Father !  although  by  reason  of  our  past 
sins,  we  are  unworthy  to  crave  any  thing  of  Thee :  yet  because 
Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  pray  for  all  men,  we  most  humbly 
beseech  Thee,  save  and  defend  Thy  holy  Church.  Be  merciful 
to  all  commonwealths,  countries,  princes,  and  magistrates;  and 
especially  to  this  our  land,  and  to  its  rulers  and  governors.  In- 
crease the  number  of  godly  ministers.  Endue  them  with  Thy 
grace,  to  be  found  faithful  and  prudent  in  their  office.  Bless  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  and  all  that  be  in  authority.  We 
commend  also  to  Thy  fatherly  mercy  all  that  be  in  poverty, 
exile,  imprisonment,  sickness,  or  any  other  kind  of  aaversity; 
and  chiefly  those  whom  Thy  hand  hath  touched  with  any 
dangerous  sickness :  which  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord !  of  Thy 
mercy,  when  Thy  blessed  will  is,  to  remove.  And  in  the 
meantime  grant  us  the  grace  of  true  repentance,  stedfast  faith, 
and  constant  patience :  that  whether  we  live  or  die,  we  may 
always  continue  Thine,  and  ever  bless  Thy  holy  Name,  and 
be  brought  to  the  fruition  of  Thy  Godhead.  Grant  these,  and 
all  our  humble  petitions,  0  merciful  Father!  ^for  the  sake  of 
Thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Calvin. 


DAY   OF   FASTING   AND    PRAYER.  93 


Afttr  this  Prayer  a  Hymn  shall  be  sung  before  the 

Sermon : 

At  the  close  of  which  another  Hymn. 
Then  the 

Closing  Prayer. 

Most  Mighty  God  !  Thou  who  from  the  beginning  hast  de- 
clared Thyself  a  consuming  fire  against  the  contemners  of  Thy 
holy  precepts ;  yet  to  penitent  sinners  hast  always  shewed 
Thyself  a  favourable  Father,  and  a  God  full  of  mercy :  We 
Thy  creatures  once  more  confess  ourselves  most  unworthy  to 
open  our  eyes  unto  the  heavens,  far  less  to  appear  in  Thy 
presence.  For  our  manifold  iniquities  have  borne  witness 
against  us,  that  we  have  declined  from  Thee.  TVe  have 
given  Thy  glory  to  creatures ;  we  have  sought  support 
where  it  was  not  to  be  found :  and  have  slighted  Thy 
most  wholesome  admonitions.  We  are  not  ignorant,  0 
Lord,  that  Thou  art  a  righteous  Judge,  who  canst  not  suffer 
iniquity  long  to  be  unpunished  upon  obstinate  transgress- 
ors ;  especiallv  when  that  after  so  long  blindness  and  de- 
fection from  I'hee,  so  lovingly  Thou  callest  us  back,  and  that 
yet  we  do  rebel.  We  have  nothing,  O  Lord,  that  we  may  lay 
between  us  and  Thy  judgment,  but  only  Thy  mercy,  freely 
offered  unto  us  in  Thy  dear  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  For 
if  Thou  wilt  enter  into  judgment  with  Thy  servants,  and  keep 
in  mind  our  grievous  offences,  then  can  there  no  flesh  escape 
condemnation.  And  therefore  we  most  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Father  of  Mercies,  for  Christ  Jesus  Th;f  Son's  sake,  to  take 
from  us  these  stony  hearts  that  so  long  have  heard  Thy  mer- 
cies as  well  as  Thy  severe  judgments,  and  yet  have  not  been 
effectually  moved.  Give  unto  us  hearts  mollified  by  Thy 
Spirit.  Look,  0  Lord,  unto  Thy  children  labouring  under  the 
imperfections  of  the  flesh,  and  grant  us  the  victory  promised 
by  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  our  only  Saviour,  Mediator,  and 
Lawgiver :  to  Whom,  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honour  and  praise,  now  and  ever.     Amen.  Ejtox 

Bentdiction. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  idl. 
Amen. 


THE  FORM 


FOR 


Ordaining  Elders  and  Deacons. 


If  ordained  separately,  tliis  form  may  he  used  as  occasion  shall  require. 

"  When  any  person  shall  have  been  elected  to  either  of  these  offices,  and  shall  have  de- 
clared his  willingness  to  accept  thereof,  he  shall  ha  set  apart  in  the  following  man- 
ner : 

"  After  sermon,  the  Minister  shall  state,  in  a  concise  manner,  the  warrant  and  nature 
of  the  office  of  ruling  Elder  or  Deacon,  together  with  the  character  proper  to  he  sus- 
tained and  the  duties  to  he  fulfilled  hy  the  officer  elect."  DiK.  OF  Worship. 

[Tlie  following  is  a  suitable  form.] 

Beloved  Christians,  you  know  that  we  have  several  times 
published  unto  you  the  names  of  our  brethren  here  present 
who  arc  chosen  to  the  office  of  Elders  and  Deacons  in  this 
Church,  that  we  might  know  whether  any  person  had  aught  to 
allege  why  they  should  not  be  set  apart  to  their  respective 
of&ces.  And  w'^hereas  no  lawful  objection  hath  been  alleged 
against  them,  we  shall  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord  proceed  to  in 
duct  them  into  the  same. 

But  first  we  invite  your  attention  to  a  short  declaration  from 
the  Word  of  God,  concerning  tlie  office  and  duties  of  Elders 
and  Deacons.  The  Avord  Elder,  which  is  derived  from  the 
Old  Testament,  and  signifies  a  person  who  is  placedin  an  hon- 
ourable office  of  government  over  others,  is  applied  to  two 
sorts  of  persons  who  minister  in  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
for  the  Apostle  saith  :  "  The  elders  that  rule  well  shall  be 
counted  worthy  of  double  honour,  especially  they  who  labour 
in  the  Avord  and  doctrine."     Hence  it  is  evident  that  there  were 


ORDINATION  OF  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS.        95 

two  sorts  of  Elders  in  the  Apostolic  Church  ;  the  former  where- 
of did  labour  in  the  Word  and  doctrine,  and  the  latter  did  not. 
The  first  were  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  and  Pastors  who 
preached  the  "Word  and  administered  the  Sacraments  ;  but  the 
others,  though  they  did  not  labour  in  the  Word,  yet  served  the 
Church  by  taking  the  oversight  thereof,  and  ruliug  the  same 
with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word.  For  St.  Paul,  having  spoken 
of  the  Ministry  of  the  Word  of  reconcihation,  and  also  of  the 
office  of  distribution  or  Deacouship,  speaketh  afterwards  par- 
ticularly of  this  office,  saying:  "  He  that  ruleth,  let  him  do  it 
■with  diligence."  In  another  place,  he  counts  '•  governments" 
among  the  gifts  and  offices  which  God  hath  instituted  in  His 
Church.  In  like  manner  we  find  the  Apostle  exhorting  the 
Elders  of  the  Church  of  Ephesus,  to  "take  heed  to  themselves 
■  and  to  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  had  made  them 
overseers."' 

It  is  moreover  proper  that  such  officers  should  be  joined  to 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word  in  the  government  of  the  Church, 
that  there  may  be  no  lording  over  God's  heritage  ;  which  can 
sooner  creep  in  when  the  government  is  in  the  hands  of  one, 
or  a  very  few.  And  thus  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  together 
with  the  Elders,  form  an  Assembly  or  Council  of  the  Church, 
representing  the  whole  Body,  to  wliich  Christ  alludes  when  He 
saith,  "  Tell  the  Church ;"  which  can  in  no  wise  be  understood 
of  all  and  every  member  of  the  Church  in  particular,  but  very 
properly  of  those  who  govern  the  Church  out  of  which  they 
are  chosen. 

Therefore,  in  the  first  place,  the  office  of  the  Elders  is^  to- 
gether with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  to  take  the  episcopacy 
or  oversight  of  the  Church  which  is  committed  to  them.  In 
the  discharge  of  their  duties,  they  are  to  admit  to  its  commu- 
nion such  as  profess  faith  in  Christ  and  repentance  for  their 
sins  ;  diligently  to  look  whether  every  one  properly  deports 
himself  in  his  doctrine  and  life ;  to  admonish  those  who  behave 
disorderly ;  to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  the  Sacrament  from 
being  profaned ;  to  exercise  the  discipline  of  the  Church 
against  such  as  offend  ;  and  to  receive  them  again  when  peni- 
tent to  the  household  of  foith. 

Secondly,  Since  the  Apostle  enjoineth  that  all  things  shall 
be  done  decently  and  in  order,  therefore  it  is  also  the  duty  of 
the  Elders  to  pay  regard  to  all  Christian  ordinances;  and  in 
all  things  which  relate  to  the  welfare  of  the  Church,  to  assist 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word  with  good  counsel,  to  visit  the  sick, 
comfort  the  afflicted,  and  to  be  flxithful  advisers  of  all  the  flock 
committed  to  their  care. 
•  Thirdly,  It  is  their  duty  particularly  to  have  regard  unto  the 


PREOES  ECCLESIASTICJS. 

doctrine  and  life  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  that  all  things 
may  be  directed  to  the  edification  of  the  Church  ;  and  that  no 
etrange  doctrine  be  taught,  according  to  that  which  we  read 
where  the  Apostle  exhorteth  the  Elders  to  watch  diligently 
against  the  wolves  who  might  come  into  the  sheepfold  of 
Christ :  for  the  performance  of  which  the  Elders  are  in  duty 
bound  diligently  to  search  the  Word  of  God,  and  continually 
to  be  meditating  on  the  mysteries  of  faith. 

Concerning  the  Deacons  :  Of  the  origin  and  institution  of 
their  office  we  may  read  in  the  sixth  chapter  of  the  Acts : 
where  we  find  that  the  Apostles  themselves  did  in  the  beginning 
serve  the  poor ;  At  whose  feet  was  brought  the  price  of  the 
things  that  were  sold,  and  distribution  was  made  unto  every 
man  according  as  he  had  need.  But  afterwards,  when  a  raur* 
muring  arose,  because  the  widows  of  the  Grecians  were  ne- 
glected in  the  daily  ministration,  men  were  chosen  by  the 
advice  of  the  Apostles,  who  should  make  the  service  of  the 
poor  their  peculiar  business:  to  the  end  that  the  Apostles 
might  continually  give  themselves  to  prayer,  and  to  the  Min- 
istry of  the  Word.  And  this  has  been  continued  from  that 
time  forward  in  the  Church  ;  as  appears  from  Romans  xii. 
where  the  Apostle  speaking  of  this  office  saitb :  "He  that  giveth, 
let  him  do  it  with  simplicity."  And  speaking  of  helps,  he 
means  those  who  are  appointed  in  the  Church  to  help  and 
assist  the  poor  and  indigent  in  time  of  need. 

From  these  passages  we  may  easily  gather  what  the  Deacons' 
office  is.  In  the  first  place,  it  is  their  duty  to  collect  and  pre- 
serve with  the  greatest  fidelity  and  diligence  the  alms  which 
are  given  to  the  poor,  and  that  they  endeavour  that  sufficient 
means  be  provided  for  the  same.  The  second  part  of  their 
office  consists  in  distribution  :  wherein  not  only  is  godly  dis- 
cretion required,  to  bestow  the  alms  only  on  the  proper  objects 
of  charity,  but  also  cheerfulness  and  simplicity,  to  assist  the 
poor  with  becoming  sympathy,  hearty  affection,  and  also  with 
comfortable  words  from  Scripture— all  which  the  Apostle  re- 
quires when  speaking  of  the  duties  of  this  office. 

To   the  end,  therefore,  beloved  brethren  — ■ — ,  -,  that 

every  one  may  hear  that  you  are  willing  to  take  your  re- 
spective offices  upon  you,  ye  shall  answer  to  the  following  ques* 
tions : 

"  1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments to  be  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  infallible  rule  of 
faith  and  practice  ? 

"2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  Confession  of 


OEDIXATION   OF   ELI>ERS   AND   DEACONS.  97 

Taith  of  this  Church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doctrine 
taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

."  3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline  of 
tlie  Presbyterian  Church  in  these  United  States? 

'•-i.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  ruling  elder  [or  deacon,  as 
the  case  may  be,]  in  this  congregation,  and  promise  faithfully  to 
perform  all  the  duties  thereof? 

"  5.  Do  YOU  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity,  and  purity 
of  the  Church? 

"  27ie  elder  or  deacon  elect  having  answered  these  questions  in  the  affirmative,  the  Min- 
ister sJuxU  address  to  the  members  of  the  Church  the  following  question  : 

"  Do  you,  the  members  of  this  Church,  acknowledge  and 
receive  this  brother  as  a  ruling  elder,  [or  deacon,]  and  do  you 
promise  to  yield  him  all  that  honour,  encouragement,  and 
obedience,  in  the  Lord,  to  which  his  office,  according  to  the 
Word  of  God,  and  the  constitution  of  this  Church,  entitles 
him  ? 

"  The  members  of  the  Church  having  answered  this  question  in  the  affirmative,  by 
holding  up  their  right  hands,  the  Minister  shall  proceed  to  set  apart  the  candidate, 
by  prayer,  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder,  or  deacon  as  the  case  may  be." 

Die.  of  TVoeseip. 

[The  following  is  a  suitable  form.] 

Prayer. 

0  Lord  God,  our  Heavenly  Father!  we  thank  Thee  that  it 
hath  pleased  Thee,  for  the  better  edification  of  Thy  Church, 
to  ordain  in  it,  besides  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  rulers  and 
assistants,  by  w^hom  Thy  Church  may  be  preserved  in  peace 
and  prosperity,  and  the  indigent  assisted  ;  and  that  Thou  hast 
-at  present  granted  us  in  this  place,  men  who  are  of  good  testi- 
mony, and  we  hope  endowed  with  Thy  Spirit.  We  beseech 
Thee,  replenish  them  more  and  more  with  such  gifts  as  are 
necessary  for  them  in  their  ministration.^  with  the  gifts  of  wis- 
dom, courage,  discretion,  and  benevolence ;  to  the  end  that 
•every  one  may,  in  his  respective  office,  acquit  himself  as  is  be- 
coming :  The  Elders,  in  taking  diligent  heed  unto  the  doctrine 
and  conversation,  in  keeping  out  tlae  wolves  from  the  sheep- 
fold  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  and  in  admonishing  and  reproving 
disorderly  persons.  In  like  manner  the  deacons,  in  carefully 
receiving,  and  liberally  and  prudently  distributing  of  the  alms 
to  the  poor,  and  in  comforting  them  with  Thy  holy  Word. 
Give  grace  both  to  the  elders  and  deacons,  that  they  may  per- 
severe in  their  faithful  labour,  and  never  become  weary  by 
reason  of  any  trouble,  pain,  or  persecution  of  the  world. 
Orant  also  Thy  divine  grace  to  this  people  over  whom  they 
7 


98  PRECES   ECCLESIASTICS. 

are  placed,  that  they  may  -willingly  submit  themselves  to  the 
t^ood  exhortations  of  the  elders,  counting  them  worthy  of 
honour  for  their  work's  sake.  Give  also  unto  them  libeml 
hearts  towards  the  poor,  and  to  the  poor  grateful  hearts  towards 
those  who  help  and  serve  them :  to  the  end  that  every  one 
acquitting  himself  of  his  duty,  Thy  holy  Name  may  thereby 
be  magnified,  and  the  kingdom  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  en- 
larged, in  whose  Name  we  conclude  our  prayer. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed  be  Thy  Name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

"  The  Minister,  having  set  apart  the  candidate  by  prayer,  shall  give  to-  him  and  to  the 
congregation  an  exhortaiion  suited  to  the  occasion. 

"  Where  there  is  an  existing  Session,  it  is  proper  that  the  memhers  of  that  body,  at  the 
close  of  the  service,  and  in  the  face  of  the  congregation,  take  tfu  newly^ordained  elder 
by  the  fiand,  saying  in  words  to  this  purpose  : 

"  We  give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of 

this  office  with  us." 

Reformed  Dutch  LrruEGT ;  with  the  exception  of  the  passages  marked 
from  the  DmECTOET  of  "Woeship. 


THE  FORM 

FOR 

Ordaining  Ministers  of  the  Word  of  God. 


The  day  appointed  for  Ordination  being  come,  and  the  Presbytery  convened,  a 
naember  of  the  Presbytery  previously  appointed  to  that  duty  shall  preach  a  sermon 
adapted  to  the  occasion.  The  same  or  another  member  appointed  to  preside,  shall 
afterwards  briefly  recite  from  the  pulpit,  in  the  audience  of  the  people,  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Presbytery  preparatory  to  this  transaction :  he  shall  point  out  the  nature 
and  importance  of  the  ordinance ;  and  endeavour  to  impress  the  audience  with  a 
proper  sense  of  the  solemnity  of  the  transaction."  Die.  of  Worship. 

[The  following  is  an  appropriate  form.'] 

Beloved  brethren,  attend  to  a  short  declaration  taken  from 
the  holy  Scriptures  touching  the  Ministry  of  reconciliation  and 
the  Pastoral  office. 

We  are  not  to  look  for  the  origin  of  this  office  in  human  ap- 
pointment, but  in  G-od,  our  Heavenly  Father,  who,  being  will- 
ing to  call  and  gather  a  Church  from  among  the  corrupt  race 
of  men  into  life  eternal,  doth  by  a  particular  mark  of  His 
favour,  use  the  ministry  of  men  therein.  Accordingly,  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  shortly  before  His  ascension  to  heaven,  gave 
to  His  Apostles  the  commission,  "  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holv  Ghost:  and  lo!  I  am  with  .you  alwav 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world."  Therefore  St.  Paul  saith  that 
the  "  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  given  some  Apostles  and  some 
Prophets  and  some  Evangelists  and  some  Pastors  and  Teach- 
ers: for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  Minis- 
try, for  the  edifying  of  the  Body  of  Christ."  Thus  we  see 
that  the  Pastoral  office  is  an  institution  of  Christ. 

In  the  Ministry,  thus  divinely  appointed,  there  is  no  superi- 


100  PRECE3   ECCLESIASTICS. 

ority  of  rank  or  diversity  of  order ;  but  all  are  possessed  of  the 
same  authority,  dignity,  and  power:  being  equally  clothed 
with  the  right  of  preaching  the  Gospel,  of  administering  the 
Sacraments  and  discipline  of  Christ's  house,  and  of  ordaining 
others  to  the  same  office. 

What  this  holy  office  of  Pastor  enjoins,  mcij  easily  be 
gathered  from  the  Very  name  itself:  for,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
shepherd  to  feed,  guide,  protect,  and  rule  the  flock  committed 
to  his  charge,  so  it  is  with  regard  to  these  spiritual  shepherds 
who  are  set  over  the  Church  which  God  calleth  unto  salvation, 
and  accounts  as  sheep  of  His  pasture. 

The  pasture  with  which  these  sheep  are  fed  is  the  Preaching 
of  the  Gospel,  accompanied  with  prayer  and  the  administration 
of  the  holy  Sacraments.  The  same  Word  of  God  is  likewis3 
the  staff  with  which  the  flock  is  guided  and  ruled.  Therefore 
the  office  of  Pastors  and  Ministers  of  God's  Word  is — 

First.  That  they  shall  faithfully  explain  to  their  flocks  the 
Word  of  the  Lord,  revealed  by  the  writings  of  the  Prophets 
and  Apostles,  and  apply  the  same  to  the  edification  of  the  hear- 
ers ;  instructing,  admonishing,  comforting,  and  reproving  ac- 
cording to  everyone's  need,  preaching  repentance  towards  God 
and  reconciliation  to  Him  through  faith  in  Christ ;  and  refuting 
from  the  holy  Scriptures  all  schisms  and  heresies  which  are 
repugnant  to  the  pure  doctrine.  All  this  is  clearly  signified  to 
us  in  holy  writ,  for  the  Apostle  Paul  saith  that  these  "  labour  in 
the  Word,"  and  elsewhere  he  teacheth  that  this  must  be  done 
"according  to  the  measure  or  rule  of  faith."  He  writes  also 
that  a  Pastor  "  must  rightly  divide  the  Word  of  Truth."  In 
another  place  he  proposes  himself  as  a  pattern  to  Pastors,  de- 
claring that  he  hath  "  publicly  from  house  to  house  taught  and 
testified  repentance  towards  God  and  faith  towards  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ."  But  particularly  we  have  a  clear  description  of 
their  office,  where  the  Apostle  thus  speaketh  :  "And  all  things 
are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  Himself,  by  Jesus  Christ, 
and  hath  given  to  us  the  Ministry  of  reconciliation:  to  wit, 
that  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto  Himself,  not 
imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them,  and  hath  committed  unto 
us  the  Word  of  reconciliation.  Now  then  we  are  embassadors 
for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us ;  we  pray  you 
in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God." 

So  also  concerning  the  refutation  of  false  doctrine,  the  same 
Apostle  saith,  that  a  Minister  must  "  hold  fast  the  faithful 
Word  of  God  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able  by 
sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gainsayers," 

Secondly.  It  is  the  office  of  the  Ministers  publicly  to  call  upon 
the  Kame  of  the  Lord  in  behalf  of  the  whole  Congregation. 
For  that  which  the  Apostles  say,  "  We  will  give  ourselves  con- 


.   ORDINATION   OF   MINISTERS.  101 

■  tinually  to  praver  and  to  the  Ministry  of  the  Word,"  is  com- 
mon to  these  Pastors  Avitli  the  Apostles :  to  which  St.  Paul 
alluding  speaketh  thus  to  Timothy :  "  I  exhort,  therefore,  that 
first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of 
thanks  be  made  for  all  men  ;  for  kings  and  for  all  who  are  in 
authority,  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all 
godliness  and  honesty  ;  for  this  is  good  and  acceptable  in  the 
sight  of  God  our  Saviour." 

Thirdly.  Their  office  is  to  administer  the  Sacraments  which 
the  Lord  hath  instituted  as  seals  of  His  grace.  As  is  evident 
from  the  command  given  by  Christ  to  the  Apostles,  and  in 
them  to  all  Pastors :  "  Baptize  them  in  the  Name  of  the  Father 
and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Likewise  the  Apostle 
speaking  of  the  institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper  saith,  "For  I 
have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto 
you." 

Finally.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  together 
with  the  other  Elders,  to  maintain  the  discipline  of  the  Church  ; 
and  to  govern  it  in  such  manner  as  the  Lord  hath  ordained. 
For  Christ  having  spoken  of  the  Christian  discipline,  says  to 
His  Apostles:  "Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be 
bound  in  heaven."  This  is  the  reason  why  the  Pastors  are  in 
Scripture  called  "  Stewards  of  God,"  and  "  Bishops,"  for  thev 
have  the  oversight  of  the  house  of  God,  to  the  end  that  every 
thing  may  be  done  decently  and  in  order ;  and  also  have  au- 
thority to  open  and  shut  with  the  keys  committed  to  them  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven,  according  to  the  charge  given  them  by 
God. 

From  these  things  may  be  learned  what  a  glorious  work  the 
ministerial  office  is ;  yea,  how  highly  necessary  it  is  for  man's 
salvation :  which  is  also  the  reason  why  the  Lord  wills  that 
such  an  office  should  always  remain.  For  Christ  said  when  He 
sent  forth  His  Apostles  to  officiate  in  this  holy  function,  "  Lo  ! 
I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world ;"  where 
we  see  His  pleasure  is,  that  this  holy  office  should  always  be 
maintained  on  earth.  Amd  therefore  St.  Paul  exhortetb 
Timoth}',  to  "  commit  that  which  he  had  heard  of  him  to  faith- 
ful men  who  are  able  to  teach  others:"  as  he  also,  having  or- 
dained Titus  a  minister,  further  commanded  him  "  to  ordain 
elders  in  every  city."     (Tit,  1  :  5.) 

Forasmuch  therefore  as  we,  for  the  maintaining  of  this  office 
•in  the  Church  of  God,  are  now  to  ordain  a  new  Minister  of  the 
Word,  and  have  sufficiently  spoken  of  the  office  of  such  per- 
sons, therefore  you,  beloved  brother  N.,  shall  answer  to  the 
following  questions  which  shall  be  proposed  to  you,  to  the  end 
that  it  may  appear  to  all  here  present  that  you  are  inclined  to 
accept  this  office  as  it  has  been  described. 


102  ,PRECES  ECCLESIASTICS. 

"  1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments to  be  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith 

and  practice  ?  i      /-,     i-     •         r 

"  2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  Confession  oi 
Faith  of  this  Church  as  containing  the  system  of  doctrine  taught 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ? 

"3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  these  United  States  ? 

''4.  Do  you  promise  subjection  to  your  brethren  in  the 
Lord? 

"  5.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you  know  your  own 
heart,  to  seek  the  office  of  the  holy  Ministry  from  love  to 
God,  and  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  His  glory  in  the  Gospel 
of  His  Son  ?  ... 

*'  6.  Do  vou  promise  to  be  zealous  and  faithful  in  maintammg 
the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  purity  and  peace  of  the  Church : 
whatever  persecution  or  opposition  may  arise  unto  you  on  that 
account? 

'■  "  7.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  in  the  exer- 
cise of  all  private  and  personal  duties,  which  become  you  as  a 
Christian  and  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel ;  as  well  as  in  all  rela- 
tive duties,  and  the  public  duties  of  your  office  :  endeavouring 
to  adorn  the  profession  of  the  Gospel  by  your  conversation  ; 
and  walking  with  exemplary  piety  before  the  flock  over  which 
God  shall  make'you  overseer  ? 

"  [8.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of  this  congre- 
gation, agreeably  to  your  declaration  at  accepting  their  call  ? 
And  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a  Pastor  to  them, 
as  God  shall  give  you  strength  ?"> 

"  The  Candidate  having  answered  these  {questions  in  the  affirmative,  [the  Presiding 
Minister  shaU  propose  to  the  people  the'foUowing  questions: 

"  1.  Do  you,  the  people  of  this  congregation,  continue  to 

profess  your  readiness  to  receive ,  whom  you  have 

called  to  be  your  Minister  ? 

"  2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  Word  of  truth  from  his 
mouth,  with  meekness  and  love  ;  and  to  submit  to  him  in  the 
due  exercise  of  discipline  ? 

"  3.  Do  you  promise  to  encourage  him  in  his  arduous  labour, 
and  to  assist  his  endeavours  for  your  instruction  and  spiritual 
edification? 

"  4.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him,  while  he  is  your 
Pastor,  that  competent  worldly  maintenance  which  you  have 
promised ;  and  whatever  else  you  may  see  needful  for  the  hon- 
our of  religion,  and  his[^comfort  among  you?^^ 


ORDINATION  OF   MINISTEKS. 


103 


■"  The  veople  having  answered  these  questions  in  the  affirmative,  by  holding  up  thnr 
riaht  handj}  the  Candidate  shaU  kneel  down  in  the  most  convenient  T^^ri  of  the 
church  Then  the  Presiding  Minister  shall,  by  prayer,  and  with  the  laying  on  of 
the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,  according  to  the  Apostolic  example,  solemnly  ordain 
him  ta  Vie  holy  office  of  the  Gospel  Ministry:' 

^' J5  it  is  sometimes  desirable  and  important  that  a  candidate  who  has  not  received  a 
COM  to  he  the  pastor  of  a  particular  congregation,  should  net-erheless  be  o^datned^ 
Zwork  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  as  an  Evangelist  to  preach  the  Gospel  administer 
Sealing  Ordinances  and  organize  churches,  in  frontier  or  destitute  settlements  ;tn 
ihtc2ethe  last  of  the  preceding  questions  {and  the  questions  to  the  peopU]  shall 
be  omitted,  and  the  following  used  as  a  substitute:  vtz. 
"Are  vou  llo^v  willina;  to  inidertake  the  work  of  an  Evan- 
gelist- and  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  which  may 
be  incumbent  on  you  ia  this  character,  as  God  shall  give  you 
strength?"  "^  Dib.ofWof 


JThe  following  is  a  suitable  form  for 

The   Ordaining  Prayer. 
O  Lord,  to  whom  all  power  is  given  in  heaven  and  in  earth ! 
Thou  art  the  Eternal  Son  of  the  Father;  who  hast  so  loved 
Thv  Church,  that  to" redeem  and  purify  it  Thou  didst  humble 
Thvself  to  the  death  of  the  Cross,  and  there  shed  Thy  most 
innocent  blood.     And  to  retain  this  Thy  most  excellent  benefit 
in  memory.  Thou  hast  appointed  in  Thy  Church  pastors  and 
teachers,  to  instruct,  admonish,  and  comfort  Thy  people.    Look 
upon-  us  mercifully,  0  Lord,  Thou  only  King,  Teacher,  and 
High  Priest  to  Thine  own  flock  ;  and  send  unto  this  Thy  servant 
our  brother,  whom  in  Thy  name  we  set  apart  and  ordain  such  a 
portion  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  he  may  rightly  divide  Thy 
Word,  to  the  instruction  of  Thy  flock,  and  the  overthrow  of 
error  and  vice.     Give  unto  him,  good  Lord,  Thy  grace  and  wis- 
dom whereby  the  enemies  of  Thy  truth  may  be  coniounded,  the 
blind  and  ignorant  edified,  and  Thy  sheep  fed  in  the  wholesome 
pastures  of  Thy  most  holy  Word.     Multiply  Thy  graces  upon 
him.     Illuminate  him  with  Thine  Holy  Spirit.     Comfort  and 
strengthen  him  in  all  virtue.     Govern  and  guide  his  ministry, 
to  the  praise  of  Thy  holy  Name,  the  promotion  of  Thy  king- 
dom, the  comfort  of  Thy  Church,  and  to  the  plain  discharge  of 
bis  own  conscience  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus:  To  Whom, 
with  the  Father  and  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour,  praise, 
and  glory,  now  and  ever.     Amen.  Knox. 

<^ Prayer  being  ended,  he  shall  rise  from  his  knees;  and  the  Minister  who  in-esides 
shcUi  first,  and  afterward  aU  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  i;i  their  order,  take  him 
by  the.  right  hand,  saying,  in  words  to  ihis  purpose, 

"  We  give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of 
this  ministry  with  us. 


104  PRECES  ECCLESIASTIC-S.- 

"  After  which  the  Minister  presiding,  or  some  other  appointed  for  the  purpose,  shall 
give  a  solemn  charge  in  the  Name  of  God  to  the  newly-ordained  BisJwp,  and  to  the 
people,  to  persevere  in  the  discharge  of  their  mutual  duties." 

Charge  to  the  Newly- Ordained  If  mister,  and  the  Congregation. 

Take  heed,  therefore,  beloved  brother,  and  fellow-servant  in 
Christ,  unto  yourself  and  to  all  the  flock,  over  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  hath  made  you  overseer,  to  feed  the  Church  of  God 
which  He  hath  purchased  with  His  own  blood.  Love  Christ, 
and  feed  His  sheep,  taking  the  oversight  of  them  not  by  con- 
straint, but  willingly  ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a  ready  mind,, 
neither  as  being  lord  over  God's  heritage,  but  as  an  example 
to  the  flock.  Be  an  example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conver- 
sation, in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Give  attendance 
to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine.  Neglect  not  the  gift 
that  is  in  thee,  meditate  upon  those  things,  give  thyself  wholty 
to  them,  that  thy  profiting  may  appear  to  all :  take  heed  to 
thy  doctrine,  and  continue  stedfast  therein.  Bear  patiently  all 
sufferings  and  oppressions,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,. 
for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself  and  them  that 
hear  thee.  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  thou 
shalt  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

And  you  likewise,  beloved  Christians,  receive  this  your 
Minister  in  the  Lord  with  all  gladness,  "  and  hold  such  in 
reputation."  Remember  that  God  Himself  through  him  speak- 
eth  unto  you  and  beseecheth  you.  Receive  the  Word,  which 
he,  according  to  the  Scripture,  shall  preach  unto  you,  **  not  as 
the  word  of  man,  but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the  Word  of  God." 
Let  the  feet  of  those  that  preach  the  Gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
glad  tidings  of  good  things,  be  beautiful  and  pleasant  unto  you. 
Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  yourselves ; 
for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account, 
that  they  may  do  it  with  joy  and  not  with  grief;  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you.  If  you  do  these  things,  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that  the  peace  of  God  shall  enter  into  your  houses, 
and  that  you  who  receive  this  man  in  the  name  of  a  prophet, 
shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward,  and  through  his  preaching, 
believing  in  Christ,  shall  through  Christ  inherit  life  eternal. 

"  Tlien  the  Presiding  Minister  shall,  by  prayer,  recommend  both  the  newly-ordained 
Minister  and  the  congregation,  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  His  holy  keeping.'* 

Prayer. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  it  pleaseth  Thee,  by 
the  ministry  of  men,  to  gather  a  Church  to  Thyself  unto  life 
eternal,  from  amongst  the  lost  children  of  men.    We  bless  Thee 


ORDINATION   OF   MINISTERS.  105- 

for  SO'  graciously  providing  the  Church  in  this  place  with  a  faith- 
ful Minister.  We  beseech  Thee  to  qualify  him  daily  more  and 
more  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  ministry  to  which  Thou  hast 
ordained  and  called  him  :  enlighten  his  understanding  to  com- 
prehend Thy  holy  Word,  and  give  him  utterance,  that  he  may 
boldly  open  his  mouth,  to  make  known  and  dispense  the  mys- 
teries of  the  Gospel.  Endue  him  with  wisdom  and  valour,  to 
rule  the  people  aright  over  which  he  is  set,  and  to  preserve 
them  in  Christian  peace,  to  the  end  that  Thy  Church  under  his 
administration  and  by  his  good  example,  may  increase  in  num- 
ber and  in  virtue.  Grant  him  courage  to  bear  the  difficulties 
and  troubles  which  he  may  meet  with  in  his  ministry,  that 
being  strengthened  by  the  comfort  of  Thy  Spirit,  he  may  re- 
main stedfast  to  the  end,  and  be  received  with  all  faithful  serv- 
ants into  the  joy  of  his  Master.  Give  Thy  grace  also  to  this 
people  and  Church,  that  they  may  becomingly  deport  them- 
selves towards  this  their  Minister ;  that  they  may  acknowledge 
him  to  be  sent  of  Thee ;  that  they  may  receive  his  doctrine 
with  all  reverence,  and  submit  themselves  to  his  exhortations: 
To  the  end  that  they  may,  by  his  Word,  believing  in  Christ,  be 
made  partakers  of  eternal  life.  Hear  us,  O  Father,  through 
Thy  beloved  Son,  who  hath  thus  taught  us  to  pray — Our  Fa- 
ther, etc. 

"  Finally,  after  singing  a  Psalm,  he  shall  dismiss  the  congregation  with  the  tisuaJ " 

Blessing. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  Communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 
Amen.  Reformed  Dutch  Litubqt  and  Directoet  op  Worsiiuv 


jY^u'^.u^x. '  ^r( 


PRAYERS  OF  THE  APOSTLES. 


A  Thanksgiving^ 

Blessed  be  Thou,  0  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  "Who  hast  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  hea- 
venly places  in  Christ^  according  as  Thou  hast  chosen  us  in 
Him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be 
holy  and  without  blame  before  Thee  in  love  :  and  hast  predes- 
tinated us  unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to 
Thyself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  Thy  will.  We 
praise  the  glory  of  Thy  grace,  wherein  Thou  hast  made  us 
accepted  in  the  Beloved,  We  bless  Thee  that  in  Him  we  have 
redemption  through  His  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  accord- 
ing to  the  riches  of  Thy  grace>  We  bless  Thee  for  making 
known  to  us  the  mystery  of  Thy  will :  that  in  the  dispensation 
of  the  fulness  of  times  Thou  mightest  gather  together  all  things 
in  Christ,  both  which  are  in  heaven  and  which  are  on  earth, 
even  in  Him.  And  we  give  thanks  unto  Thee,  0  Lord !  for 
the  faith  and  love  of  all  Thy  saints:  beseeching  Thee  that 
they,  having  heard  the  Gospel  of  their  salvation,  and  trusted 
in  Christ,  may  be  sealed  with  that  Holy  Spirit  of  Promise, 
which  is  the  earnest  of  their  inheritance,  until  the  redemption 
of  the  purchased  possession,  to  the  praise  of  Thy  glor}-.    Amen. 

Efh.  l  3-16. 

A  Prayer  for   Wisdom. 

O  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  Glory !  Give 
unto  us  the  Spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge 
of  Him:  that  the  eyes  of  our  understanding  may  be  enlight- 
ened: that  we  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  His  calling,  and 
what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  His  inheritance  in  the  saints. 
Manifest,  0  Lord !  the  exceeding  greatness  of  Thy  power  to 
us- ward  who  believe,  according  to  its  mighty  working  in  Christ, 


PRAYERS   OF  THE   APOSTLES.  107 

when  Thou  didst  raise  Him  from  the  dead,  and  sei^ml  Him  at 
Thine  own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far  above  all 
principality,  and  power,  and  rftight.  and  dominion,  and  every 
name  that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that 
which  is  to  come.  Eph,  l  17-21. 

For  Spiritual  Strength, 

0  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  Whom  the  whole 
Familv  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named  :  We  bow  our  knees 
unto  'Thee,  beseeching  that  Thou  wilt  grant  us,  according  to 
the  riches  of  Thy  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  Thy 
Spirit  in  the  inner  man  :  That  Christ  may  dwell  in  our  hearts 
by  faith :  That  we,  bein^  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  may  be 
alDle  to  comprehend  with  all  saints,  what  is  the  breadth  and 
length  and  depth  and  height,  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ, 
that  passeth  knowledge  5  that  we  may  be  filled  with  all  the 
fulness  of  God.  Now  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  do  excfeeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the 
power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto  Him  be  glory  in  the  Church  by 
Christ  Jesus  throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Eph.  m.  11-21. 

For  a  Good  Judgment, 

Almighty  God,  we  pray  Thee,  that  the  love  of  all  Thy 
People  may  abound  yet  more  and  more,  in  knowledge  and  in 
all  judgment:  that  they  may  approve  those  things  which  are 
excellent;  that  they  may  be  sincere  and  without  offence  till 
the  day  of  Christ ;  being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

Philip,  l  9-11. 

For  the  Prosperity  0/  the  Church. 

0  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  give  Thee 
thanks  for  all  Thy  saints  our  faithful  brethren  in  Christ 
throughout  the  earth :  desiring  that  they^iglrt  all  be  filled 
with  the  knowledge  of  Thy  will,  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual 
understanding  ;  that  they  miglit  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto 
all  pleasing,  Iseing  fruitful  m  every  good  work,  and  increasing 
in  the  knowledge  of  God.  Strengthen  them  with  all  might, 
according  to  Thy  glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long- 
suffering  with  joyfulness.  May  they. ever  give  thanks  unto 
Thee,  O  Father :  who  hast  made  us  meet  to  be  partakers  of 
the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light ;  who  hast  delivered  us 
from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  hast  translated  us  into  the 
kingdom  of  Thy  dear  Son,  in  Whom  we  have  redemption 
through  His  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins. 

Col,  l  1-13. 


108  PRECJES  ECCLESIASTICS 

For  Faith  and  Charity. 

Q  God,  we  render  thanks  unto  Thee  for  the  faith  and  charity 
of  Thy  People,  and  the  joy  wherewith  we  joy  for  their  sakes 
before  Thee.  And  we  beseech  Thee  to  perfect  that  which  is 
yet  lacking  in  their  faith.  Make  them  to  increase  and  abound 
in  love  toward  one  another,  and  toward  all  men  :  to  the  end 
that  their  hearts  may  be  established  unblameable  in  holiness 
before  God  even  our  Father,  at  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  with  all  His  saints.  0  Thou  ^^s^zy  God  of  peace,  sanc- 
tify them  wholly  ;  and  may  their  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and 
body,  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen.  i  thess.  m.  6-13;  v.  23. 

A  Prayer  for  Rulers  and  Ministers. 

0  God,  who  hast  exhorted  us  by  Thine  Apostle  to  make 
suppliications,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  for 
all  men:  "We  pray  for  kings,  and  all  that  are  in  authority; 
that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and 
]»miiaaga»f  We  also  pray  for  all  Thy  servants,  who  in  every 
place  make  manifest  the  savour  of  Thy  knowledge,  preaching 
among  the  nations  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  Supply 
them  with  Thy  Spirit ;  give  utterance  unto  them  to  make 
known  the  mystery  of  the  Gospel ;  open  unto  them  doors  of 
utterance  ;  deliver  them  from  unreasonable  and  wicked  men  : 
and  may  the  Word  of  the  Lord  have  free  course  and  be  glori- 
fied, even  as  it  is  with  us. 

ITLii.  1-2;    IThesa.  v.  25;    2Cor.iL14;    Eph.  iii  8 ;    PhiL  L  19; 
Eph.  tL  19  ;  CoL  iv.  3  ;  2  Thess.  iiL  2  ;  id.  1, 

For  Sanctijication. 

Vouchsafe,  0  our  God  !  we  pray  Thee,  to  count  us  worthy 
of  Thy  calling,  and  to  fulfil  all  the  good  pleasure  of  Thy  good- 
ness, and  the  work  of  faith  with  power :  That  the  Name  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  be  glorified  in  us,  and  we  in  Him, 
according  to  the  grace  of  our  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen.  '  2  Thess.  i.  ii,  12. 

For  Stedfastness. 

0  God !  Who  from  the  beginning  hast  chosen  us  to  salvation 
through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of  the  Truth : 
Grant  us  grace  to  stand  fast,  and  hold  the  traditions  which  we 
have  been  taught,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  0  Lord  Jesus  Christ !  who  Thyself  hast  loved  us,  and 
hast  given  us  everlasting  consolation,  and  good  hope  through 
grace :  Comfort  our  hearts,  and  establish  us  in  every  good  word 
and  work.  2  Thess.  n.  13-17. 


PRAYERS   OF   THE   APOSTLES. 


109 


For  Grace  to  do  Good  VTorks. 
0  God  of  Peace !  who  broughtest  again  from  the  dead  our 
Lord  Jesus  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  Covenant :  Make  us  perfect  in  every 
eood  work  to  do  Thv  will,  working  in  us  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  Thv  sight :  Through  Jesus  Christ,  to  ^hom  be 
glorv  for  ever  and  ever.     Araen.  Heb.  sm.  20,  2L 

For  Perseverance. 
God  of  all  Grace  !  Who  hast  called  us  unto  Thine  eternal 
-lorv  by  Christ  Jesus :  Make  us  perfect,  stablish.  strengthen, 
settle  us;  that  God  in  all  things  may  be  glorihed,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  Whom  be  praise  and  dominion  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen.  1  p^teb  v.  10 ;  iv.  11. 

For   Unity. 
■   0  God  of  Patience  and  Consolation,  grant  us  to  be  like- 
minded  one  toward  another  according  to  Christ  Jesus :  that  we^ 
may  with  one  mind  and  one  mouth  glorify  Thee,  the  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Rom.  xv.  5,  6, 

For  Hope. 
0  God  of  Hope,  fill  us  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believirg, 
that  we  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  ^°^-  ^- 12- 

Asa-iptions  of  Praise. 
Now  to  God  only  Wise  be  glory  through  Jesus  Christ  for 
ever.     Amen.  Ro^-  ^^^^  -'• 

Now  unto  the  King  Eternal,  Immortal,  Invisible,  the  only 
Wise  God,  be  honour  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever,     ^men.^^ 

Now  to  the  Blessed  and  Only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings, 
and  Lord  of  lords;  ^\Tio  onlv  hath  immortality,  dwelling  in 
the  lic^ht  which  no  man  can  approach  unto,  Whom  no  man 
hath  s'een  nor  can  see  :  To  Him  be  honour  and  power  everlast- 
ing.    Amen.  1  Ti-  it.  15,  16. 

Now  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling,  and  to 
present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  His  glory  with  ex- 
ceeding jov  :  To  the  only  Wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and 
maiestv,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

•'      * '  ^  Jn>E  24,  25. 


AN  ORDER 

FOR    THE 

Reading  of  Scripture  in  Public  Worship, 


Reading  or  the  "Word  is  the  CoyoREOATiox,  being  part  op  the  Public  Wor- 
ship OP  GrOD,  wherein  yTE  ACKNOWLEDGE  OUR  DEPENDENCE  UPON  Hill  AND  SUB- 
JECTION TO  Him,  and  one  means  sanctified  by  Him  for  the  edefting  of  His 
People,  is  to  be  performed  by  the  Pastor  and  teacher. 

How  large  a  portion  shall  be  read  at  once,  is  left  to  the  wisdom  of  the 
Minister  :  but  it  is  convenient  that  ordinarily  one  chapter  of  each  Testa- 
ment BE  read  at  every  MEEHNG  ;  AND  SOMETIMES  MORE,  WHERE  THE  CHAPTERS 
BE  SHORT,  OR  THE  COHERENCE  OF  MATTER  REQUIRETH  IT. 

It  IS  REQUISITE  THAT  ALL  THE  CANONICAL  BoOKS  BE  READ  OVER  IN  ORDER,  THAT 

THE  People  may  be  better  acquainted  with  the  whole  body  of  the  Scriptures  : 

AND  ordinarily,    WHERE  THE    READING    IN  EITHER  TESTAMENT    ENDETH    ON  ONE 

Lord's  Day,  rris  to  begin  the  next. 

Directory  for  Worship,  by  the  Westminster  Divines :  §  2. 

The  following  Order  has  be^i  prepared  to  facilitate  BelectioiL 

Morning  Service.  Evening  Service. 


Dun- 

First  PortlOT 

L 

Second. 

First  Portloo, 

Second. 

1  Gen.L 

John  i.  1-18. 

Isa. 

i.  1-20. 

Acta 

ii.  1-21. 

2 

iL 

Luke  i.  26-56. 

iL 

IL  22-47. 

3 

uL 

MattL 

V.  1-17. 

vi 

4 

vi. 

Luke  ii.  1-20. 

vL 

ix.  1-22. 

5 

TiL 

MattiL 

viL  10-25. 

xi  1-18. 

6 

TiiL 

John  I  19-51 

ix. 

xvi  14-40. 

1 

ix.  1-19. 

Mattiv. 

iL 

xxvi 

8 

zil. 

John  iiL  1-21. 

XXV. 

Rom. 

i.  1-25. 

9 

xxiL 

John  iv.  1-26. 

xxvi. 

iv. 

10 

nviii. 

Luke  iv.  16-37. 

XXXV. 

V. 

11 

xxxvii.  1- 

■28. 

Luke  V.  1-26. 

TTxviii. 

Ti 

12 

xUL  1-28. 

John  v.  19-47. 

±L 

vii 

13 

xliiu 

Matt  xii.  1-21. 

xll 

viii. 

14 

xlv. 

Matt.  V.  1-20, 

xlil 

liL 

15 

xlvi  1-7  ; 

28-34 ;  Matt,  vi  1-18, 

Tliii 

XV.  1-13. 

and  xlvil  1- 

-12. 

16 

xlviiL 

Matt.  vi.  19-34. 

xliv. 

1  Cor. 

,  i  1-25. 

ORDER   FOR  READING   OF   SCRIPTURE. 


Ill 


MORNiKG  Service. 


Eteoxg  Siktice. 


dT^.       First  Portion. 

Second. 

First  Portion. 

Second. 

17  Gen.xlii. 

Matt.  TiL 

Isa. 

xiv. 

ICor. 

iL 

18  Ex,  iL 

Matt.  xL 

xlviiL 

iii. 

19          iiL 

Matt.  xii.  1-21. 

xHx. 

xiL 

20          V. 

Matt.  xiii.  1-30. 

IL 

xiii. 

21          xii.  1-36. 

Matt.  xiii.  33-58. 

IiL 

xiv  1-20. 

22           xiv. 

Matt.  Ls.  18-38. 

liiL 

XV.  1-20. 

23           XV. 

Matt.  X.  1-20. 

hv. 

XV.  21-58. 

24           xvi.  1-19. 

Matt.  xiv.  14-36. 

Iv. 

2  Cor. 

iv. 

25           xi.  17-38. 

John  vi.  35-59. 

Iviii.  ' 

V. 

26Deut.i.  19-46. 

Matt.  xvL 

lix. 

vi. 

27          iv.  23-40. 

Matt.  xviL  1-21. 

Ls. 

GaL 

iiL 

28          ix. 

Matt,  iviii.  1-20. 

LlL 

Eph. 

L 

29          xviil 

Luke  X.  1-24. 

IxiL 

iL 

30          Txxiii 

John  viL  14-51. 

iTiii 

iiL 

31Josh.iiL 

John  viL  32-52. 

Ldv. 

iv. 

32          viL 

Luke  X.  25-42. 

Lrv.     ■ 

V. 

33          xxir.  1-25. 

Luke  xi.  1-13. 

IxvL 

Phihp 

.  iL  1-18. 

3iJudg.iL 

Luke  xii.  1-21. 

Jer. 

xiv.  7-22. 

Col. 

iiL 

35  Ruth  i. 

Luke  xiL  22-48. 

xvii.  6-27. 

1  Thes.v. 

36  lSam.iiL 

John  ix.  1-25. 

xxxi.  1-20. 

2  Thes.iL 

37          IiL 

John  X.  1-18. 

xxxiii  1-16.  Heb. 

L 

38          IT.  1-23. 

John  xi.  19-46. 

Lam, 

.  iiL  22-59. 

ii. 

39          ivL  1-13- 

John  xiL  12-36. 

Ezek.  i. 

iiL 

402Sam.vu. 

John  liiL 

X. 

iv.  • 

41          xii.  1-23- 

John  xiv. 

xxxiii.  1-20 

X. 

42lKLiii.  1-15. 

John  XV. 

xxxi  V.  11-3] 

L. 

xi. 

43           yL  11-38. 

John  xvL 

xxxvii.  1-14. 

XiL 

44           Ls.  1-14. 

John  xviL 

xliii.  1-12. 

James 

1  ii. 

45           xriL 

John  xviii.  1—27. 

xlviL  1-12. 

IPet. 

iL 

46          xriiL  17-46. 

Luke  xxiiL  1-25. 

Dan. 

iii. 

1  John  V. 

47          xix. 

Luke  xxiiL  26-49 

vi. 

Revel 

L 

48  2KiiL 

John  xLs.  25-42. 

ix. 

iiL 

49          V.  1-19. 

John  XX.  1-18. 

Amosv.  1-15. 

T. 

50  2Ch.ixxTLl-21. 

Luke  xxiv.  13-35.Mic. 

iv. 

lix. 

61  Neh.  viiL 

John  XX.  19-31. 

Hab. 

iiL 

XX. 

52  Job  L 

John  jm.  xxi. 

Zech.   xiii. 

xxL 

63          lliL 

Acts  Ll-14. 

Mai. 

iiL 

xxiL 

NOTES 


The  Opening  SE>rrEycES:  Pp.  3,  22. — Calvin's  Liturgy  introduces  the  ordinary 
Service  for  the  Lord's  Day.  with  a  sentence  of  Scripture.  Hence  a  similar  feature 
in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  Instead  of  the  single  passage  (Psalm  cxxiv.  8) 
with  which  Calvin  begins,  we"  have  preferred  to  give  several  passages  for  selection : 
being  such  as  contain  appropriate  promises  of  Divine  presence  to  worshipping  assem- 
blies. Isaiah  Ixvi.  1,  2  ;  Isaiah  Ivii.  15  ;  Isaiah  IvL  6,  7 ;  Exodus  xx.  24;  St.  Matt 
xviiL  20 ;  SL  John  xiv.  13  ;  Hebrews  ix.  24 

IxviTATiON :  Page  4. — The  invitation  in  the  French  Liturgy  reads  thus :  "My 
brethren,  let  each  of  you  present  himself  before  the  Lord,  in  order  to  make  an  humble 
confession  of  his  sins  unto  Him, :  following  in  heart  these  words."'  The  Middleburgh 
Prayer-book  has  it  thus:  "Let  us  fail  down  before  the  majesty  of  Almighty  God, 
humbly  confessing  our  sins ;  andfoUow  in  your  hearts  the  tenour  of  my  words."  In 
place  of  these  forms,  we  have  used  Scriptural  language :  combining  the  passages, 
2  Cor.  vii  1 ;  Heb.  x.  22  ;  Phil.  iv.  6 ;  and  in  addition,  Heb.  iv.  16. 

BucES's  LiTAirr :  Page  26. — This  beautiful  prayer,  modelled  upon  the  ancient  lit- 
anies, yet  possessing  much  originality  and  peculiar  beauty,  is  due.  in  all  probability, 
to  the' Reformer  Bucer;  from  whose  "Reformation  of  Doctnne  ancL'WorsEp,"  it 
is  literally  translated.  The  Litany  of  the  English  Prayer-Book  is  for  the  most  part 
borrowed  from  this  form. 

The  Mabeiage  Seevice  :  Page  76. — Of  the  two  forms  given  for  this  ordinance, 
the  one  is  compiled  from  the  Liturgies  of  Geneva,  Scotland,  and  Holland.  The 
other  is  -extracted  from  the  Proposed  Liturgy  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in 
America. 

The  Burial  Sehvige:  Page  81. — The  Liturgies  of  the  Reformed  Churches  on 
the  Continent  supply  us  with  few  examples  of  a  service  for  Burial.  The  danger 
of  superstitious  observances,  at  the  period  when  those  formularies  were  compUed, 
■deterred  Calvin  and  others  from  furnishing  any  prescribed  order.  It  has  always 
been  customary  to  consecrate  the  last  ofl&ces  at  the  grave  with  prayer :  but  for 
this,  even,  the  French  Liturgy  gives  no  form- 
Martin  Bucer  was  the  author  of  a  service  for  the  Burial  of  the  Dead,  which  is  to 
•be  found  in  Herman's  Reformation  of  Cologne.  This  service  the  English  Reform- 
ers partly  followed.  The  selections  of  Scripture,  from  St.  John  xL,  Psakn  xc,  and 
I  Cor.  XV.,  are  there  indicated.  But  Bucers  form  possesses  a  merit  of  adaptation 
which  is  wanting  to  that  of  the  AngUcan  Church ;  for  in  addition  to  the  services 
for  adults,  there  is  an  "Alia  Concio  in  Fnnere  Adolescentis,  vel  Adolescentuke.''  The 
words  of  sepvilture  are  taken  from  Bucer's  "  Postquam  sic  visum  est  Omnipotenti 
Deo,  ut  hune  fratrem  nostrum  pro  sua  misericordia  ex  hoc  mundo  sublatum  ad  se 
ceciperet,""  etc. 

The  present  Form  of  Burial  is  borrowed  from  the  revision  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Liturgy,  prepared  by  a  committee  under  appointment  of  the  General  Synod. 
The  selection  of  Scripture'is  the  best  that  we  have  seen.  Three  services  are  pro- 
vided for :  a  short  one  at  the  house,  a  principal  one  at  the  church,  and  a  form  of 
interment  The  prayer  concluding  the  service  at  the  church,  is  from  Jeremy  Tay- 
lor ;  it  has  been  introduced  into  the  American  edition  of  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer. 


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